It’s taking time to get used to activity levels post-pandemic — busy commuter trains; in-person meetings and the need to replace trackies with proper clothes. I packed in a day of eating and meeting last week.

In between rushing around I made a pit stop at the Waterside Café in Regents Park. I’d been invited to lunch here — the chance for some mindful ‘me-time’ and to (literally) smell the roses — or at least other flora in one of London’s most beautiful parks.

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Sitting in the Outer Circle, close to the gold-domed mosque and the boating lakes, the café is cute and compact. Only a few tables inside and a larger number al fresco. On sunny – or even dry —days it’s a peaceful place to sit.

I’d invited JC Travel Editor, Cathy, who I’d not seen in person for well over two years — since March 2020.

Inside, the walls are decorated in huge floral print with huge windows onto the picture-perfect view. It may not be so pleasing on grimy, grey days, but we managed a sunny slot between the showers.

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Wrap up warm for sunnier days al fresco

It’s self-service, with a range of sandwiches and salads in the open fridge and some hot options to order at the counter. There is a range of warm breakfast options included smoked salmon bagels loaded with whipped cream cheese, lemon and pumpkin seeds; grilled open bagel topped with herbed mushrooms and feta (yum); and the ubiquitous smashed avo. My children — had they been invited — would have been up for waffle or simple sourdough toast.

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Vegetarian falafel burger was full of spice Photo: Victoria Prever

We were looking for something more substantial as lunch, for which smiling manager, Oksana Kovbas, recommended the spiced falafel burger — a burger-sized patty of tasty falafel smothered in cauliflower raita and spiced mango chutney. I chose an aubergine, feta, pepper and houmous-filled pitta pocket, made even more saintly by the pitta being wholemeal.

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Saintly pitta pockets Photo: Victoria Prever

There’s a full range of the usual hot drink options and a range of milkshakes and smoothies that little people would jump and down for. And it’s a place I’m likely to return to with my children.

We made up for the virtuous start with coffees and cakes — a sweet and citrussy lemon sponge and sticky, chocolate and nut slice (gluten free) — which both hit the spot.

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Double cake sweet spot Photo: Victoria Prever

The café heaves during the summer months so it’s worth a visit during the winter months to fuel up after getting a fresh air fix. There are vegetarian and vegan options plus plenty of child-friendly snacks and treats and it's all very sustainable — they even stock oat milk chocolate bars —  so tick lots of boxes.