Two cool Richmond establishments in ten days. Dipsophile’s cup runneth over.

Despite the fact that it doesn’t serve alcohol (and that’s a serious drawback as far as Dipsophile is concerned) this place is so cool it’s sub-zero.

Looking out over the newly restored and replanted Terrace Gardens, the building has an air of peace. It harks back to an earlier Richmond. To a time before the IT salesmen and the financial services people moved in; before the property prices went beserk; before anyone had ever heard of a collateralised debt obligation.

The food is vegetarian, organic and/or Fairtrade.. Sample prices: pot of tea for one/two £1.45/£2.10; coke 90p; slice of pizza £2.10/with salad £5.40. There are vegetable samosas, filo spinach and ricotta parcels; also lots of fresh fruit. You get the drift – the food is good and it’s not going to break the bank.

Dipsophile lingered over a pot of tea for one. Softly in the background the Mamas and the Papas played - “California Dreaming” and then “Monday, Monday”. For a while Dipsophile was transported back to his misspent youth.

The interior features a high ceiling, a stripped pine floor and a wood burning stove. There are second hand books and posters for bands and gigs and alternative therapists. In fact the Hollyhocks Café is redolent of the sixties, and has an almost hippy feel.

The legend under the framed duck on the wall says “Who gives a duck?”

Indeed.

The Verdict

Elysian. Not to be missed.

Other notes

Now open all year round. It does get very popular at weekends. An off-peak visit would be best to appreciate the atmosphere. Opening times vary according to the season and the weather, so if you plan to go at the beginning or end of the day then please phone ahead to check they are open.

The parking along Petersham Road is non-existent. If you go by car it may be best to drive to the top of the Hill. Try to find a meter on Friars Stile Rd, then walk down through the Terrace Gardens to the café.

Hollyhock Café, Terrace Gardens, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UX Tel: 020 8948 6555.