Day 1290 There's something odd about this joy

Another week slips past, the end of the year is drawing closer. How has your 2025 treated you so far? Are you beaten down, depressed and tired or are you feeling chipper about the festivities to come? A most of you know i’ve been on a high recently (and i’m not talking about burning the bush in the evening). I find myself waiting for the happiness to dissipate and the misery to role in, I wonder what will cause the upset.

Salads:

Five spiced vegetables + black bean

Miso rice

Sausage + ham pasta

Soup: Mexican spiced bean

Day 1289 Happy juices

I stared at my screen this morning and couldn’t think of a thought. I decided i’d leave my blog for later, i’m not sure why I thought this would be a good idea as we are busy later, and later is now. My morning has consisted of delightful conversations which has left me on great form for lunch rush. I must remember to acknowledge what my face is doing because i’ve been grinning like a psycho recently, it’s unintentional.

Salads:

Peri peri cauliflower + split peas

Sweetcorn + chilli rice

Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta

Soup: Sweet potato + ginger

Day 1288 Don't mind me, i'm just a downer

Consumerism scares me. I’ve found myself in central London a few times in the past week, each time i’m overwhelmed by the amount of people, consuming. It’s such a pessimistic view to take, but I really don’t see us saving this world. Every person around the globe would have to adopt such a minimalist, zero waste lifestyle and in the current state of the world that is arguably impossible.

Salads:

Thai coconut curry with sweet potato

Lemongrass rice

Baked veggie pasta

Soup: Velvet mushroom

Sandwich: Parma ham, Asiago cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 1287 Who needs friends when you have dogs

Today we will return the silky peanut known as Diego back to my brother. I will miss him greatly but it’s also solidified for me that I couldn’t do 2 dogs. In case you haven’t noticed, i’m obsessed with my Border Collie, I waste a lot of time just watching him. I was a loner for many years because he was enough, he still is, I was just convinced to go and make human friends. Make no mistake, if the choice was you or the dog, i’m taking the dog…dumbass!

Salads:

Med veg chickpea

Lemon + herb rice

Roast pepper + tomato pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced potato + cauliflower

Day 1286 Now that's what I call a weekend

A simply relaxing weekend with friends, food and furry beasts. I had a moment of panic last night when I realised I was in such a state of peace, it doesn’t bode well for the job. The morning was challenging, Moose is up and alert when he hears me stir but the young pup Diego is a warm, silky weight that doesn’t care for a single alarm.

Salads:

Chilli non carne

Red pepper rice

Roast squash ragu pasta

Soup: Tuscan tomato

Day 1285 Feeling fab on a Friday

Two of my cherished customers have had to vacate Clapham because their rent has become too dear. Before departing they came to bid me farewell, and they brought gifts. Did I nearly cry on shop floor? Maybe. But I pulled a Johnny Bravo and sucked in my tears. It was the peak of what was already a top tier Thursday! It’s crazy to see how much my mindset has changed since ousting a couple cancerous characters from my life.

Salads:

Tuscan beans

Baked veggie pasta

Ham ragu pasta

Soup: Cumin spiced lentil + spinach

Day 1284 There's more to life than first gear

I enjoy driving, I don’t have to drive for work so it’s not a chore for me. My 08 Corsa and I have been on many adventures, I love her. I’ll tell you what I don’t like, when it’s 5am the roads are clear apart from one car (usually a KIA or Tesla) that’s creeping along at 17-20 miles per hour ON A TOTALLY CLEAR ROAD. Where’s your joy? Do you intend to reach your destination anytime before Christmas? Pagans.

Salads:

Mild vegetable curry

Lemon + rosemary rice

Courgette + tomato pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced lentil

Sandwich: Speck ham, Provola, Chilli relish + tomato

Day 1283 I haven't been strangled, I just went on a run

The sun is starting to set earlier and winds are becoming colder, winter is nigh. While I’d like to curl up on my sofa and shut out the bitter world I must instead do the opposite and get out there, it’s running season. Some are born to run, they put on a cute outfit and happily do laps around the common or Battersea park. I however am not so graceful. By the end of a run I look like I survived attempted murder. It’s best if I stay in the shadows.

Salads:

Roast squash + split peas

Roast pepper rice

Mushroom + tomato pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced chickpea + tomato

Day 1282 I like my England served mid

Opinions fly around daily about numerous issues that face our society but I heard one thing that I thought should really be implemented. When there are road works, they should be worked on at all hours until said work is done. Why don’t we do this?

Salads:

Moroccan spiced chickpeas

Sumac rice

Sausage + ham pasta

Soup: Squash + ginger

Sandwich: Fennel salami, Asiago cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 1281 Warm start to a cold day

A full pep talk took place this morning as the time to jump out of bed grew closer. Then the worst happened, Moose crept into my room and slumped his half asleep body across mine. It was dark and misty outside, the warmth resonating off my dog plus my plush bedding. Winter is upon us. I’ve already achieved so much just by being here. The rest of the day is just extra credit.

Salads:

Mexican beans

Lemon + herb rice

Roast vegetable pasta

Soup: Mushroom + white bean

Day 1280 I don't worship false Gods but i'm in awe of mystical beings

On this day, many moons ago, someone very dear to me was painfully pushed out into this world. Since then they have endured the trials and tribulations that this wonderful world has to give. Along the way they met me. I want to thank whatever spirit that makes good shit happen because without this person i’d probably be in an asylum. I’ve met a lot of people in this life but none of them sing to me quite the way you do. Tanti auguri to my Dragon.

Salads:

Mushroom cacciatore

Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta

Braised potatoes with chicken + tarragon

Sandwich: Chorizo, Fontina cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 1279 No friend of mine

Every morning I walk in to be greeted by our bread delivery, a tower of cardboard boxes filled with carby goodness. This morning there was a second tower with a note attached to it ‘For Buddies Deli’. The competition (apparently). Though I do love a bit of drama, I’m not one for terrorism the second tower is safe…this time.

Salads:

Vegetable curry

Ginger + herb rice

Roast olive + cashew pesto pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced broccoli + potato

Day 1278 But he's such a sweet guy

Another bonkers day. In an attempt to be hospitable to a customer I have nothing in common with, I made the light joke. ‘Have you heard the news? Paracetamol can cause autism!’ turns out the pensioner is in support of this claim and was not best pleased with my jesting. Oh well, I tried. I will go back to the drawing board and try and find a less aggravating topic. I should just stick to talking about the weather.

Salads:

Med veg lentils

Spinach + herb rice

Baked veggie pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced spinach + sweetcorn

Sandwich: Parma ham, Manchego, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 1277 Did you really just say that?

The return was relatively painless, huzzah! My favourite interaction yesterday came from one of my oldest customers. He asked about my holiday and I told him I went to Sicily, he went on to tell me that all Italians are liars and thieves…it was like experiencing first hand one of those street interviews with an EDL supporter. Great banter, the ignorance and arrogance of the general public is frightening but very entertaining!

Salads:

Thai coconut curry

Ginger + turmeric rice

Tomato + many greens pasta

Soup: Sweetcorn + ginger

Day 1276 Revelations

We’ve returned to work in the nick of time, I was getting use to that blissful leisurely life. It’ll take me a moment to rearrange my prefrontal cortex to be able to interact with people again. Needless to say i’ve been living in my own little hole for the past 2 weeks. I am happy to be back though, being able to frequent other food establishments in the city has helped me appreciate that we’ve got something good here.

Salads:

Vegetable curry

Rainbow rice

Sausage + ham pasta

Soup: Sweet potato + ginger

Sandwich: Garlic salami, Provola, Chilli relish + tomato

Day 1275 I wonder what life is like outside those doors

It’s here, the last day before we shut up shop for 2 weeks. When we returned from our winter break the summer looked so far away. As I reflect on the past 8 months and recall the happenings in our little establishment all I can do is let out an exhale of air. It’s a lot. Let’s take this time apart to breath, we’ll reconvene on September 22nd. Hopefully the other local businesses run some deals so you don’t have to take out a second mortgage while we’re away. All tea, all shade.

Salads:

Potato + broccoli gratin

Mushroom + tomato pasta

Roast vegetable panzanella

Day 1274 All in a days work

Procrastination isn’t an option right now. I woke up yesterday determined and that determination led to a seamless day. I got home and executed my menial tasks then zoomed into central London again to return the atrocities I bought on Tuesday. I even incorporated a few other errands along the way, who carped the diem? Me. Here’s hoping today leaves me with the same level of satisfaction. There’s nothing like a deadline to light a fire under ones arse.

Salads:

Vegetable curry

Lemon + herb rice

Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta

Soup: Spiced vegetable

Day 1273 Grey humpday

I did myself the disservice of going into central London in the hopes of refreshing my wardrobe. It was a total flop and a waste of time. I will venture back into the hell hole later today to make some returns. Yay. I have a boring list of tasks to complete and it’s raining. Somehow i’m still feeling jolly, probably because I know this weekend i’ll be sipping an espresso in a foreign location.

Salads:

Mexican beans

Spinach + herb rice

Tomato + basil pasta

Soup: Sweet potato + ginger

Sandwich: Garlic salami, Gorgonzola, onion relish + tomato

Day 1272 It's all too much for some

The saying goes ‘if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen’. While this may seem a little harsh to the faith hearted, it is in fact the kindest option you can give to a person. I will not force you to stay, I will trust you know yourself well enough to determine whether you’re up for the task. If you’re not, be kind to yourself and leave.

Salads:

Med veg + white bean

Roast pepper rice

Sausage + mushroom pasta

Soup: Tomato + sweetcorn with a little sriracha

Day 1271 Beast mode

I ate like a beast this weekend and i’m not even sorry! Life is short. The morning has brought up some harsh realities, i’m not surprised just disappointed. We encourage each other to look at the brighter side of life, no matter how dark it may seem. As a pessimist, I have to summon all my mental strength to employ this sentiment. Alas, life is good, people are a problem, we move on.

Salads:

Thai coconut curry + sweet potato

Ginger + lemon grass rice

Roast pepper + tomato pasta

Soup: Spiced tomato + chickpea

Sandwich: Milano salami, Provola cheese, Chilli relish + tomato