Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 5 and Version 4 of Green Borders, E11 3HN

Small vegan/organic/fairtrade/hippy cafe on the High Road in Leytonstone. It closed in late 2010, but as of February 2011 the Green Borders website states that it's open again from Sunday-Tuesday inclusive.

Note: The information below predates the closure; we haven't visited since it reopened.

The decor is clean and minimal, and large windows at the front let in the light. Two sofas face each other across a coffee table at the back of the room, while three cafe tables offer seats for another two, two, and four people respectively.

A refill station for washing-up liquid and other household cleaners is set up to one side of the room, and various organic/fairtrade groceries are displayed on the other side, next to a rack of organic wine. Sadly, the wine is only available to take home — they aren't licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Although all their teas are caffeine-free, they do serve coffee too. Soya milk (and only soya milk) is available for the hot drinks.

Kake visited on a weekday afternoon in August 2010. A cup of Earl Grey rooibos (£1) was fine, and a slice of vegan chocolate cake (around £2) was beautifully presented, decorated with dark chocolate buttons and a scoop of vegan ice cream photo.

The savoury menu may change, but on this visit it was reassuringly short (a sandwich, a soup, a curry, beans on toast) and all vegan.

Accessibility: No steps to get in (just a small ridge). The toilet is around the back of the building, and you have to go out, around, and down a narrow passageway where the ground is a bit uneven. The cubicle is narrow too.

See also:

• FARA review (local residents' association)

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