Julia Sarr-Jamois: ‘I’ve been coming to Italo for a long time’

Italo is a café and delicatessen in Bonnington Square, in Vauxhall in south London. The square is one of my favourites because it’s so pretty; it has a dreamy garden with a swing where it feels as if you are walking through somewhere hidden and secret. Everyone who lives in the surrounding houses takes care of each other, so there’s a real community feel.

I grew up in south London, and live not too far from the square now, so I’ve been coming here, and to Italo, for a long time. My mum used to be a cook in the vegan café across the street, she has friends who used to live on the square (and used to babysit for someone who still does), and I’ve known Charlie Boxer, who runs Italo, since I was a kid. I’m friends with the whole Boxer family; they have other restaurants in London, but Italo is my favourite. On a sunny day you sit outside and it’s always really chill.

Everyone who works here has been here forever, but the menu is constantly changing. All their food is great, but their weekend brunch and lunch is particularly delicious. Inside they sell groceries from local producers: there’s a homemade Greek yoghurt and a kimchi that’s absolutely yummy. I like to meet and catch up with old friends here, and I’ll usually bump into someone local that I know as well, which is nice. Sitting here, and in the garden square, feels special.

instagram.com/italo_vauxhall