London, ChelseaThe Locals, worth seeking out

The setting

Think whitewashed bricks, metro tiles, open shelves of plants and stylish lighting. The stripped wooden floors and tables create warmth.

There’s a choice of wooden chairs or banquettes to sink into.

The two glass window walls add light and overlook the gardens and sculpture in the peaceful square outside. The service is quick and helpful.

At midday, the café was packed with locals. Although busy, there was still plenty of room to sit down. In the early afternoon it filled out with customers with laptops, studying, working and browsing.

The little things

The tap water came in a glass decanter with a fresh mint sprig. The rock salt was pink Himalayan. The fact that dogs are welcome.

What we ate

They serve vegan, vegetarian and meat options. There’s a delicious all-day breakfast menu which include avocado on toast, gluten free buckwheat pancakes and organic oat porridge.

We tried their lunch option of burrata on sourdough with a roasted Sicilian vegetable caponata, pesto drizzle and toasted pine nuts. The Detox Salad was large and prettily presented with strawberries, blueberries, spinach, broccoli sprouts, pea shoots, white chicory and seasonal leaves.

The sweet orange and basil vinaigrette came in its own ceramic pot.

To finish off – we chose a rose cappuccino which tasted as perfect as it looks.

What else

The Locals also has a take-away menu. Free wifi is available and there’s a pair of plug sockets at most tables.