Courthouse Garden Cafe – Jamyang Buddhist Centre

The Courthouse Garden Café has recently re-​opened in the lovely Jamyang Buddhist Centre. It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful and tranquil place exists in SE11, but it does, and if you’re in the area you must try it out.
Set in an old Courthouse dating back to 1869 (hence the name), the building still retains all it’s original features and is apparently home to a few convict ghosts still roaming the alls. The Kray Twins were even on trial here once so I won’t be going here on a dark night. Yet surprisingly Jamyang has a relaxing air of calm about it and is a little southern haven. Besides the café the centre also offers a varied programme of events, from meditation classes to Tai Chi, Yoga and a series of talks on Buddhism, which are worth checking out.
The café, although housed in the centre is a separate entity and Buddhists and non-​Buddhists alike are welcome. They serve wholesome and completely scrumptious vegetarian food daily, using fresh, often locally sourced and in-​season produce. Fare such as Leek and Potato Pie, Blood Orange and Leaf Salad and Lavender cake is currently to be found on the menu. The fresh, homemade bread is out of this world and couldn’t be further from the quick-​rise stuff we are all subject to in the supermarket these days. A wonderful garden area to the side, studded with flowers and plants, complements their farmhouse style food.
Real wholesome food, made by really wholesome people. What an absolute find.