Glaring sunshine, a crisp breeze, and a bowl of piping hot mince and potato by the Thames is more than enough to get us whistling ‘Maybe It’s Because I’m A Londoner’ like a poorly written SNL skit. But, sometimes, it really is all about the simple things—and the Garden Café knows this. The peaceful canteen, inside St Mary-at-Lambeth church, is a serene space. During the spring and summer months, tables and chairs are brought outside so you can enjoy lunch (or dinner on weekends) in a courtyard that’s been there since at least 1062. But, even inside, it has a peaceful tranquillity that sees academics and thinkers of every generation clinking glasses and scraping the last bit of mash from the bowl. The menu is deliciously modern British. There are gutsy things like umami-rich venison mince with mash or marmalade pudding with custard, as well as more delicate (but just as delicious plates) like a salad of salt cod, pink firs, parsley, and egg. It’s the type of food and space that implores you to spend an hour or two.