Mildreds is one of these vegetarian institutions running since 1998 (unbelievably long!). It draws a crowd and they don’t often take bookings unless you want to reserve an entire floor upstairs. Turning up anytime after 6pm is an almost guaranteed wait. Fortunately when we went, our group of six turned up and they had a table large enough for us to be seated immediately. It felt a bit like cheating stepping through all the couples and friends already waiting, but hey, who are we to complain. I guess the secret to this special visit was that larger table sit upstairs (the more quiet space) and more suitable for large groups.

The menu is all vegetarian (with vegan options) and all the offerings looked tempting. Things appeared quite plain and simple but well focused. Fortunately they all proved to be really flavourful as well. I started with the pita bread and hummous and smoky red pepper babaganoush – not really one to turn down any sort of dipping type mix. Great flavours and a nice way to start the meal.

The burger called out to me on the mains but I settled in for the mushroom pie with mushy peas and homemade fries. A number of people also ordered the fries (we over did it as a table) and although I liked the crisp outside and the chunkiness, I think a number of people preferred the slimmer, smaller french fry style that these chunks of potato did not represent. To be fair, they seemed a bit more like potato wedges but they were pretty good. The pie was absolutely divine. Umami-rich, flaky pastry and generous amounts of lots of different types of mushrooms. I’m a big fan. The tomato sauce in the picture is also a chipotle one. Yum!

Although getting full, I could not resist ordering an orange chocolate brownie dessert. I got it to come with a scoop of ice cream instead of cream. I’m pleased that the brownie was more of a cake – the serving size itself would have defeated me if it had been any more dense. Instead, light flaky (okay, not that brownie like) but rich and chocolately with plenty of orange flavours definitely won me over.

If not for the crowds, I think I would find myself returning here all the time. The food was great. The service was a bit meh, but hey, they had character and it is in the middle of soho!

Name: Mildreds
Website: http://www.mildreds.co.uk/
Found at: 45 Lexington Street, London , W1F 9AN