The Engine Shed

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The Engine Shed acts as a training school to springboard adults with learning difficulties into meaningful, satisfying work. Trainees prepare, cook and serve all the food, as well as making the famously good bread, tofu, hummus and cakes, all of which are now for sale at a mini-store in the café. The shop isn’t the only thing that’s new this year: the whole place has had a revamp, with new loos, a new kitchen, and plans for a new retail line of soups. As you’d expect, although the café is on the second floor the whole complex is completely accessible, and baby changers have been installed on both the ground and second floors. Prices have increased slightly from unsustainable levels of cheapness, and you can still expect the same reliable (if not revolutionary) quiches, salads and hot mains. The likes of veggie haggis with clapshot, or a very serviceable broccoli and cauliflower gratin will fill you up pleasingly – and the cakes are always fantastic, with gluten-free and vegan options as standard.

• High point: A lovely airy space, despite the unpromising entrance
• Low point: Not the best coffee in town

Listed in The Larder – in the shops now or buy online.

Vegetarian café, organic bakery, organic tofu production and conference/catering facilities