Where the go-to for decades was a quick drop by one of the casual high-street coffee chains, offering a syrupy blend of the American dream or a packaged-up Italian coffee bar, now a more mindful approach to everyday dining has hit our streets. Now counting our nutritional highs over the calorie lows, the wool has thankfully been swept away from our eyes to make nutritional food more accessible. One particular space bridging the gap to make delicious, organic food a part of our daily lives is Farmacy.
Photograph by Lateef Photography
Located on the ‘everyday’ stretch of Westbourne Grove on the cusp of both Notting Hill and Bayswater, Farmacy has developed a reputation for its dynamic and imaginative, nutritionally created cuisine. Bringing plant-based, comfort food to the fore, it has connectivity at heart where the medicinal qualities of food remains centre stage. Local, biodynamic farming is also at the essence of their produce. In their own words, “From the soil to the sun, everything above, below, and between us is connected.”
Established in 2016 with an initial west London outpost, Farmacy is touted as a bohemian eatery, however for us its so much more than that. From its scientific, research-based menu to a sophisticated interior that immediately calms the soul, body and mind, Farmacy defines a new era of casual dining. It is the brain child of Camilla Fayed (heiress of the Harrods retail empire) – after experiencing the powerful healing benefits of a plant-based diet, she was inspired to create Farmacy. A place for those who value sustainability, provenance and a mindful approach to food or your morning coffee, over convenience will be immediately appealed by the space.
Working to a farm-to-restaurant method, the menu at Farmacy is by default constantly evolving. From its a-la-carte selection featuring much-loved dishes, including shroom tostadas to a pumpkin and turmeric curry, Farmacy is transparent with its ingredients for those with allergens, including sulphates and gluten to name but a few, with a separate menu designed for even those with a garlic or onion intolerance.
Open every day of the week, the all-day venue remains ever-popular for popular whilst offers something a little different with an afternoon tea menu of plant-based delights to be enjoyed. And for those seeking something quicker, their list of smoothies and juices are quite literally the dream. There’s also the option to bring their biodynamic menu home or to your next celebration with their bespoke catering menu, perfect for events.
With a strong belief that chefs and restaurants of the future must align with nature to challenge traditional food conventions, even in the most urban of settings, Camilla is committed to pursuing the Farmacy project further and internationally. In 2019, New York fell under its charm with a six-month residency to hopefully signal a more-permanent opening on the cards soon.
Where natural farming is undoubtedly one of Camilla’s passions, the ‘Farm’ was set up to coincide with the principles of biodynamics and a holistic approach to agriculture. Located in the Kent countryside, the Demeter-certified plot of land is worked by specialist biodynamic farmers and gardeners to grow a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs which are in turn delivered weekly to the Notting Hill restaurant by an electric van. Connecting soil quality with human health and then to plate, the concept stands firm with its conviction.
The site also acts as a hub for Camilla’s Foundation to deliver plant-based training based on the principles of biodynamic farming. Adults and children can learn about the provenance and nutritional value of food with practical guidance on how to grow food both at home and in your local community. “We believe knowledge is power. That’s why we set up our foundation – to build likeminded communities through sharing knowledge, spreading the message and effecting change.”
Furthermore, the Foundation delivers support to a range of organisations and charities, including City Harvest in London which was on the front line of the Covid-19 crisis to distribute surplus food to over 300 local charities. In addition, SARI which stands against racism and inequality and then the Wild at Heart Foundation which seeks to protect and improve the lives of animals in countries close to home and also further afield.
Farmacy, 74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2
farmacylondon.com
