Review: Pistachios in the Park

After a knockabout on the tennis courts of Greenwich Park yesterday, myself and a chum decided to forego our “usual” – a Park Porker or a butter-less Bacon Butty from the Honest Sausage – and instead wandered over to the recently opened Pistachios in the Park in East Greenwich Pleasaunce.

Much care and thought has been put into the design of the building, with architects Jo Watkins and Alexander Sedgely aiming to deliver a building that is as environmentally friendly as possible. The green roof of the cafe has meadow plants growing on top of it, which apparently increases insulation and becomes a haven for butterflies and insects.

Solar energy is being harnessed to provide underfloor heating and also hot water in the cafe and toilets – yes, there are now toilets in the Pleasaunce. The green credentials seem to be something of an attraction because last time I was in the Pleasaunce, a couple stopped me in their car and asked me where the new “eco cafe” was – though one has to wonder if driving around in search of an eco cafe is a little contradictory.

When I turned up at Pistachios, I was really just looking for an apres-tennis snack and didn’t have my reviewer’s hat on, or indeed have a proper camera with me. I’m no Michael Winner at the best of times, but I had a tuna, mayo and salad baguette that was delicious. My friend had a similar filling but in a white bread sandwich. Those, together with two teas came in at just over £8 which seemed more than reasonable. If I was looking for something to be critical about, I would say that both mine and my friend’s teas weren’t very hot.

Service was great and very friendly – the owner of the cafe, Lizzie, came out and was chatting to us about how things have gone since she opened. Apparently they’ve seen a brisk trade since opening, which is good to hear because it’s a new business that deserves to do well. If you’re passing the Pleasaunce, I’d certainly recommend you go check out Pistachios for a decent snack in peaceful surroundings. Oh, and if you have a Wifi phone or laptop with you, there’s free wireless internet available – the password is written on the menu board at the back of the cafe.

Have you been to Pistachios in the Park yet? Share you thoughts in the comments section.