Christoff.ai

World Peace Temple

restaurants•
London
London

World Peace Temple

700 Kingston Rd, Raynes Park, London SW20 8DQ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in Raynes Park, the World Peace Cafe operates within the Kadampa Meditation Centre, offering something genuinely unique in London's dining landscape. This isn't your typical vegetarian spot – it's a peaceful sanctuary where spiritual atmosphere meets surprisingly excellent plant-based food, anchored by what locals whisper about as legendary carrot and coriander soup.

World Peace Temple: London's Most Serene Vegetarian Sanctuary

Where legendary carrot soup meets Buddhist tranquillity in Raynes Park

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step inside, you're enveloped by an almost otherworldly tranquillity that's rare to find anywhere in London. The space radiates genuine serenity with its spiritual decor and beautiful surrounding grounds creating an authentically meditative atmosphere. The wood burner becomes the heart of the venue during cooler months, casting a warm glow that transforms the already cozy space into something approaching magical. With energy levels scoring just 1.5 out of 10, this is decidedly not a buzzy social scene – instead, it operates on what they call a 'zero rush policy,' allowing conversations to flow naturally without the typical London dining pressure. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 3.5, avoiding pretension whilst maintaining a thoughtful, considered environment. It's intimate by design, scoring only 2.5 for group size capacity, which means the tiny space fills quickly, particularly at weekends when you might find yourself waiting or sharing tables with fellow seekers of peace.

Food & Drink

The menu centres around fresh, honest vegetarian and vegan offerings that have earned genuine local devotion. The signature carrot and coriander soup has achieved near-legendary status among regulars, whilst the cherry marzipan cake represents the kind of vegan baking that converts skeptics. Fresh paninis and baguettes provide hearty options, but it's the selection of vegan cakes – including apple and lemon drizzle varieties alongside that famous cherry marzipan – that truly sets this place apart. The kitchen operates with the same unhurried philosophy as the rest of the venue, focusing on quality over speed. Everything feels made with care rather than commercial efficiency, reflecting both the Buddhist principles of the centre and a genuine commitment to plant-based cuisine that satisfies rather than merely substitutes. The food perfectly matches the venue's peaceful energy – nourishing, wholesome, and prepared without the frantic pace typical of London eateries.

Service & Experience

Staff consistently earn praise for their warmth and genuinely welcoming nature, embodying the Buddhist principles of compassion that underpin the meditation centre. Service operates on the venue's relaxed timeline rather than commercial urgency, which proves either delightful or frustrating depending on your mindset and schedule. The team understands they're serving both food and an experience, treating each interaction as an opportunity for genuine connection rather than mere transaction. Don't expect rapid-fire efficiency – instead, anticipate thoughtful, unhurried service that allows you to properly decompress from London's relentless pace.

Value for Money

With a price level of just 1 out of 4, this represents exceptional value in London's expensive dining landscape. The venue earns tags for being affordable-for-London, student-friendly, good-value, and budget-conscious – descriptions that ring absolutely true when you experience the quality of both food and atmosphere on offer. You're essentially paying modest cafe prices for a unique sanctuary experience that combines excellent vegetarian food with genuine spiritual tranquillity. The portions are satisfying, the ingredients feel quality-focused, and the overall experience delivers far more than the modest pricing suggests. For students, meditation practitioners, or anyone seeking affordable peace in expensive London, the value proposition proves almost unbeatable.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Tuesday through Friday between 10am opening and early afternoon offers the best experience, avoiding weekend crowds when the tiny space fills rapidly. The cafe operates Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, and Sunday 10am-1pm, with the temple and shop staying open slightly longer most days.

What to Focus On

The carrot and coriander soup stands as the undisputed signature dish, whilst the cherry marzipan cake has achieved local legend status. Arrive early for first pick of the fresh cakes, particularly that cherry marzipan variety that regulars guard jealously.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Hit Tuesday-Friday 10am opening for the best chance at a solo table by the wood burner and first selection of fresh cakesCheck their website before visiting as the venue occasionally closes for Buddhist festivals and international eventsThe gift shop stocks meditation CDs, Buddhist art, and ritual items if you want to extend the peaceful experience at home

The Final Verdict

World Peace Temple achieves something genuinely rare – a dining experience that nourishes both body and spirit without feeling contrived or commercial. The combination of exceptional vegetarian food, authentic spiritual atmosphere, and remarkable value creates a unique London sanctuary. Yes, the space fills quickly and service moves at meditation pace rather than London speed, but these apparent limitations actually enhance the venue's essential character. With a uniqueness score of 7.5 out of 10, this isn't trying to be trendy or cutting-edge – instead, it offers something more valuable: genuine peace, excellent plant-based food, and an experience that lingers in memory long after you've returned to London's chaos.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

meditation practitioners and spiritual seekersvegetarians and vegans seeking quality plant-based foodstudents and budget-conscious diners wanting exceptional value

Quick Details

1

World Peace Temple

⭐️ Peaceful
⭐️ Meditative
🏠 Cozy
💵 Budget friendly
⭐️ Zero rush policy

Hidden within a meditation center, this serene café serves vegetarian British comfort food that soothes both body and soul. The signature carrot and coriander soup and legendary cherry marzipan cake represent simple ingredients transformed through careful preparation and genuine care. The wood burner and spiritual décor create an atmosphere of unhurried tranquility that's increasingly rare in London's dining scene. The zero-rush policy means you can actually relax and enjoy your meal without feeling pressured to vacate your table. The surrounding meditation classes and Buddhist programming add a contemplative dimension to the dining experience, making this a true sanctuary from London's relentless pace.

What's Great

✓ Cherry marzipan cake and carrot coriander soup are legendary local secrets

✓ Wood burner creates cozy winter sanctuary vibes with zero rush policy

Keep in Mind

× Tiny space fills up fast, especially weekends - expect to wait or share tables

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit Tuesday-Friday 10am opening for solo table by the wood burner and first pick of fresh cakes!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
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Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Temple & Shop: Tue-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat: 10am-4pm, Sun: 10am-1pm. Cafe: Tue-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 10am-3pm, Sun: 10am-1pm."
📍700 Kingston Rd, Raynes Park, London SW20 8DQ, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 8540 0069
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

World Peace Temple has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Vegetarian British Cuisine London: Where Tradition Meets Plant Power 2025 reference image

Vegetarian British Cuisine London: Where Tradition Meets Plant Power 2025

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Sep 1, 2025
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