Nestled in the heart of Clerkenwell is one of London’s most recognised secrets, Après Food. Known for its nutrient-rich wholesome meals, the restaurant caters for foodies everywhere: vegans, vegetarians, dairy-free, gluten-free and everything in between. With award-winning gluten-free bread consumed by many individuals, as well as suppliers including private member’s club Annabel’s, Après Food is an experience you simply can’t miss.

When you enter the restaurant, you’re instantly met by warmth, from the owners Danny and Catherine who’s humble passion for customer service and wholesome experience is delightfully refreshing. The low-key ambience sets the tone to introduce sustainability into our busy everyday lifestyles. But let’s not forget Archie, the friendly Jack Russell cross, who’s wanted for love and affection beneath the twinkling array of fairy lights reminds you of post-covid times, it feels like home.

Après Co’s tantalising new menu ranges from small plates for sharing, to larger mains for one, consisting of the most delicious plant-based stack of fritters with a well-seasoned side salad and impeccable presentation. The flavour palette was incredible. We decided to go for a good traditional burger to see how this compares with the nutritional twist. The result? Healthy comfort food at it’s finest, all thanks to the skills of Catherine – a Nutritional Therapist in Functional Nutritional Medicine.

The menu is jam-packed with functional nutrient medicine, from the replacement of a typical burger bun to a gluten-free alternative, all the way down the dressings makes the offering very unique. Their goal? To make you eat well without even realising it. Unwittingly, you’re making your way through the gooiest chocolate cake you’ve ever eaten, to later uncover the truth that there’s no refined sugar in sight – Sacrebleu!

But don’t let that buzzword ‘healthy’ put you off. Catherine doesn’t count calories, but instead carefully assesses every ingredient that goes into each recipe. There is a perception that healthy isn’t going to be delicious, or filling but this simply isn’t the case with Après food Co.

Catherine’s passion for making everything from scratch (including quiches, cakes, tarts and pancake brunches) without compromising on flavour is something to be praised – it’s difficult to find that way of thinking when it comes to food, which is what puts them at the forefront of being refreshingly innovative. This mindset paired with Danny’s passion and knowledge for the pub industry, ensuring that everybody is having a truly fantastic experience whilst there is a match made in heaven from a consumer perspective.

Don’t just take my word for it though, Après food has received many recognitions for its incredible delights, including over 8 awards from Time Out Magazine, best gluten-free restaurant (Forbes Magazine), Best clean eating restaurant (The Telegraph), Best Breakfasts (Tatler) as well as mentions in Metro, Women’s Health and Balance.

Everything they make is lovingly sourced and carefully prepared using local, fair trade and organic ingredients wherever possible. They use coconut sugar or coconut blossom, and use very limited cow’s dairy (usually opting for goat’s butter/goat’s, cream/coconut, milk/oat, milk/cashew milk).

Après Food Co has officially reopened after lockdown with a brand new weekday lunch, evening and Saturday brunch menus – if you’re eager to support a local- London business with a heart packed full of flavours, then take the opportunity to support this incredible place, that’s Owners are truly deserving of nothing but the best.

W: Après Food

Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International