'It was fortunate that the drinks were alcohol-free considering how quickly we polished them off!'

Redemption, Notting Hill

Open Mon–Fri midday–11.30pm, Sat 12.30pm–11.30pm, Sun 12.30pm–10.30pm

The blurb:

‘Spoil yourself without spoiling yourself’ is this vegan, low-sugar, wheat and alcohol-free eatery’s motto. After three successful pop-ups, the Notting Hill branch of Redemption opened a year ago, swiftly followed by a second branch in Shoreditch. The menu, devised by a nutritional therapist, features plenty of raw dishes (not cooked above 42 degrees C) while the drinks list features innovative ingredients – including turmeric root, ginger and coconut kefir – for next-level mocktails.

The style:

It might not have had the budget that Notting Hill’s latest no-need-to-name vegan restaurant had, but Redemption’s team (founder Catherine Salway was previously brand director of Virgin) clearly have an eye for design, having chosen the right things to splash out on: turquoise velvet chairs, marble-topped tables, fab tableware – we loved the oval-shaped Art Deco-style glasses – and linen napkins.

The crowd:

Creative 30 and 40-somethings. Not surprisingly, the Hemsley sisters have been in.

The food:

A redemptive Sunday brunch called for californication (roasted sweet potato and rosemary hash with mushrooms and spinach and a squeeze of lemon; £7.95). Clearly impressed from the outset, my friend wanted two dishes from the daytime menu – the bestseller, sweetcorn and red pepper pancakes served with avocado, coriander, chilli and lime guacamole, tomatoes and rocket (£8.95), and a raw bowl (cauliflower tabouleh, heritage tomatoes with a lemon parsley dressing topped with chilli and chipotle chickpeas, kale and medjool date; £10) – but was advised by JD, the lovely general manager, that portions are substantial. ‘I’ll share the raw bowl,’ my friend compromised. JD was right but we did justice to our whole-flavoursome dishes.

There’s always room for dessert, though. We shared a creamy and subtle rhubarb and ginger fool (£5.75) topped with blueberries and edible flowers.

The drink:

Redemption excels here. The impressive drinks list takes some consideration. We finally settled on pure salvation (a blend of fresh orange juice, pineapple juice and lemon juice, drizzled through with raspberry puree; £4.50) and heart beets (fresh beetroot juice, fresh orange juice, lime juice, ginger, birch syrup and coconut water blended with ice; £4.50). It was fortunate that the drinks were alcohol-free considering how quickly we polished them off!

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In a nutshell:

Redemption knows its place. Dishes are simple and nutritious rather than pricy and pretentious while the drinks shine. I’m keen to return on a Friday evening to see how the crowd rocks a booze-free end to the week.

Redemption launches Soul Food on Monday 26 September. On one Monday of each month, customers at Redemption’s Notting Hill restaurant will be treated to a 30-minute guided meditation with instructor Sophie Purvis followed by a healthy plant-based feast prepared by head chef, Andrea Waters.

There are a limited number of spaces per event. To book a ticket (£40 per person) visit: redemptionbar.co.uk/soul_food

Redemption, 6 Chepstow Road, London W2 5BH; redemptionbar.co.uk; 020 7313 9041

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