Greenhouse, The

To describe The Greenhouse as a vegetarian restaurant is less than fair, though I did receive a terse affirmative when I rang to enquire if the veggie angle was 100%, since it offers a great deal more, notably a courtyard in which organic plants and herbs grow. It is without doubt highly eco-friendly. All staff are volunteers, they support organic growers who are in the hinterland between being and not being organic, and the restaurant is housed in a listed building. The whole drive is towards the economic use of the earth's resources, and whilst that may not make for demanding reviewing, even though it should, it is going to become increasingly important. On offer food wise are primarily vegetable soups, savouries and sandwiches.

Some of us wish that exponents of the vegetarian and organic movements could be just a little more outgoing and agreeable. They are supporting a just cause, which the majority are not prepared to share with them for a variety of reasons, most of them less than justifiable. We are likely to realise the error of our ways sooner if they are exposed to us with some charm, rather than piously and grumpily. The Greenhouse is an educational experience as well as a restaurant.