Cafe at Jamyang

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, a list of the most common questions.
If you don't find an answer to yours, please get in touch by writing to cafe [at]  jamyang.co.uk

What time are you open?

We're open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Which is the closest tube?

Cafe at Jamyang is exactly half way between Elephant and Castle and Kennington tube stations.
We're tucked away, though, so we recommend you to check a map before heading toward us. We're a small hidden place and even locals might not know where we're located!

Can you tell me your menu?

Sure, click here! :)
Apologies, our menu are decided only on the day before on the basis of what's in season, so we can only give seasonal sample menu.

Are you open at weekends?

Generally speaking we're not open at weekends, however there are few special occasions when we are, like community days organised by Jamyang Buddhist Centre.
For example we're open for Peace in the City, an event open to everyone when complementary therapies are offered at affordable prices to raise money for the centre.
We're also open for days like The Open Garden Square weekend.
Check our facebook page or Jamyang website for more information!

Can I make a reservation?

Of course! Even if sometimes we're really busy, so if you're planning to come with a bigger group, let us know with as much notice as you can. You can email us - but please, not on the same day as we might miss it -  or call us at the 07934 731058. If it's service time, noon to 2pm, we might not answer the phone as we're serving lunch! Call us earlier if you can,

Can I come at weekends?

Even if we're close to general trade, you can always book the cafe for private events! Our diary gets booked quite early, so plan your event well in advance. For queries, deals and availabilities email cafe [at] jamyang.co.uk

Can I visit the Old Courthouse?

The Old Courthouse is a great historical building to see, so we encourage you to book a visit. As it's a busy centre, though, we recommend you to book a visit so to make sure somebody will be available to take you round. Please write to info [at] jamyang.co.uk for more information.

I'm visiting the Cinema Museum, can I come for lunch?

A lunch in the cafe is a good end for a great tour at the Cinema Museum - we are big fun of that magical venue ourselves. You're more than welcome to come to the cafe, for a full lunch as for a simple cup of tea. Just, please, if you think you're going to be more than 5-6 people let us know. We're a small place and booking are more than appreciated.

I'm coming with a group of people, will we get quiche?

We have a confession to make. After a few years in the kitchen, nobody of the cafe team member eats quiche anymore, we're just tired of it :) And we know there are so many other different things to try, so we go for the new!
We understand, though, that most of the new comers want a slice of quiche for lunch, we're famous for it in the end. However, our kitchen is really, really small, believe us. We only have an oven and out of it cakes, quiches, mains and salads need to come out in only 4 hours! So, we can't cater quiche for groups for week-day bookings, we're afraid. We're sure you'll love our mains, however we'll try to put out little taster of quiche to please your taste-buds.
A suggestion: be brave and ask for the main, even if you don't know what it is. Even better if it sounds new to you, we love speaking about our food and how it's made, just ask!

I can't eat such-and-such, will I still get a lunch?

Although we're a really small kitchen and so we can't claim to be 100% free from certain ingredients like gluten or nuts, we try our best to avoid cross-contamination and we're mindful about food intolerances or specific diet requirement. Our soup is always without any dairy or grains, as most of our salads. We can't deal with allergies but we usually cater for most food intolerances.
If you're coming with a group, please notify any allergy or intolerance you or one of the member of your team might have as soon as you have that information. It's easier for us to prepare a dedicated lunch in advance: if you let us know last minute we might not have anything suitable.

I'm vegan

Vegan Monday is the answer. But any other week-day as well as you will always find something to put together and have a satisfying meal.

I'm vegetarian

You are in the right place!

I'm omnivorous

You are in for a surprise and a treat :) Vegetarian doesn't mean sad, nor necessarily healthy. Ever heard of chips? Falafel? Or quiche? Apple and rhubarb crumble with cream, maybe? Double chocolate and almond cake? Yummy.

Can I book you for an event?

Sure! You can hold your event here at the Old Courthouse if you plan it with enough notice, or anywhere else you like and we'll cater at your place. Happy to discuss options and menus, be it for a few portions of take-away food or for a formal catering for up to a 100 people! Just get in touch by email with your requests.

I'm visiting the centre. Can I eat my own food?

If you're a student at Jamyang Buddhist Centre or you're attending one of its courses and you want to bring your own food, you're welcome to do so but we kindly ask you not to eat it in the cafe or in the garden during lunch time (11am-3pm).