As a long-standing supporter of Neal’s Yard, both in Borough Market and, particularly during COVID, at Spa Terminus, I was pleased to be alerted to the attached, fascinating Guardian Long Read by Jonathan Nunn about its origins in 1970s counter-culture.
I vaguely remember the atmosphere of Neal’s Yard as it once was, and particularly the Monmouth Coffee House before the days of ubiquitous coffee shops, but did not know the story of its rise:-
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/jan/23/nicholas-saunders-forgotten-genius-changed-british-food
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
I went to uni in London in the early 80s. As a vegetarian, it was a brilliant place to be as food counter-culture was definitely still thriving. I do remember Neal’s Yard along with Cranks and countless other independent restaurants and retailers promoting veggie and vegan food. I suddenly wasn’t a weirdo or awkward, I fitted right in. Chelsea was an amazing place. Edith Grove was on my walk to uni and some students lived in short-life housing there which often consisted of designer kitchens but bare floorboards in the rest of the house and no basin in the bathroom. I suppose paying students at least prevented squatters moving in while places were being renovated. Good times and happy days. Now, you can buy veggie and vegan options anywhere – even fast food outlets. Rebellion has gone mainstream.