Wanted- vegetarian restaurant recommendations in London. I need somewhere that will be loved/tolerated by carnivores, legume phobics, loud music haters, cheapskates and grumps!

[ScummyMummy]

Going out with v beloved but notoriously fussy friends soon and really want a good place to go. They are veggies and are often (understandably) very disappointed at the poor selection of veggie food on offer in many restaurants. They prefer silence to music of any kind in a restaurant- they can just about tolerate quiet soothing classical offerings in the background but become apoplectic with rage if modern pop becomes even slightly audible. They always complain vociferously at the slightest hint of poor service- to the extent that wusses such as I become rather sorry for the staff). They are also reluctant pay much for a meal and often question the bill. They themselves refuse to plan, so will specify a location in which to meet and then drag everyone endlessly round the chosen neighbourhood as they glance into restaurant windows and reject them one by one on the grounds of poor menu, booming music, expense, rubbish music or not being just so. I find this almost intolerable at the best of times and am currently pregnant and prone to sudden and insatiable hunger and so even more unwilling than normal to spend a night out wandering around London feeling increasingly starving! I do love these people dearly, despite my moaning, and obviously the key thing is to have a great night out with them. In addition I have a partner who is rather sceptical about vegetarian food to take into account, though he can at least be relied on to remain supportive and polite. My wonderful sister is also joining us and while she is v lovely and will not kick up a fuss she has a horror of peas and beans so will need alternative menu items!

So can anyone help me with this admittedly difficult connundrum?

In summary I need a restaurant that is:
#In London (preferably central or South)
#Vegetarian or with a wide selection of vegetarian foods (they are proper veggies, btw, not fish eating or anything)
#Does not play music or plays very quiet tasteful music
#Is not too expensive
#Is bookable or will not involve too much waiting around
#Would be acceptable to carnivores
#Offers non-legume options
#Has good service

Help!

there was somewhere really good we went for my sisters wedding, will try to remember the name.

tis valeries - www.mildreds.co.uk/

Was in Mildred's yesterday, it's not too expensive, has a very wide choice, laid back and friendly and the closest to perfect for your spec for central London. It is totally veggie, but I was with two carnivores, who were surprised to find they loved it.

I have a very nice cookbook from The Place Below. The recipes are very good, but I've actually eaten in the restaurant. It looks very atmospheric though, and the decor be enough to make the food tolerable to carnivores.

I've never eaten there- duh!

Thank you, everyone. I like the sound of Mildred's a lot. I think we'll try there. The Place Below sounds lovely too, Duchesse, but I think it's only open at lunchtime. I will have to pop there for lunch one day though!

I second Mildreds and The Place Below. Mildreds is lovely but quite like a cafeteria in atmosphere so maybe not the most relaxing place to go. I went to The Gate in Hammersmith a few years ago which was nice and quite reasonable but maybe a bit more expensive than the other two. If you like Indian there's Woodlands in Leicester Square which has great food.

There's also a branch of Woodlands near Marble Arch.

Nice place called Manna in Primrose Hill - but N. London, and perhaps a bit expensive (not been in ages, but it wasn't a cheap night out, I seem to remember). Delicious food though.

Eat and two veg on Marylebone High St is nice.

I don't know how many of you are going but Mildred's does have a lovely but quite small private dining room upstairs as well.

eat and two veg looks lovely - I'm not even veggie but am very tempted!

Private dining room in Mildreds is great for about 15 people, so probably you're not going to go there, but if do beware the pics on the wall - pornographic victoriana from memory. Very amusing, but graphic, so might not be to your fussy friend's taste

Second the suggestion of Manna in Primrose Hill, as it would seem to meet your criteria. However, have not been there in a few years so have no recent experience.

lol smee! They'd probably quite like that, bizarrely. There are only due to be 5 of us though so sadly we won't get to check the Victorian porn out.

I love the sound of all the places you've recommended- eat and 2 veg looks particularly yum from their website- but think we're going to go for Mildred's, partly because it's in the most convenient location for all the attendees. Thanks once more for all your brilliant thoughts.

I used to love Mildreds, but last time I went there (about 5 months ago) I found it really crowded and noisy. I felt like they've got too many tables for the space. I don't think there was any music, but because it was so packed I couldn't hear what my friend was saying and I was desperate to get out. It really put me off, which is a shame as the food is lovely!

The Gate in Hammersmith: not exactly Central, but a great grown-up, proper restaurant atmosphere, professional staff, good wine and lovely lovely food. I am not a vegetarian and this is one of my faves.

...oh sorry I see you've already decided on Mildreds. Well, another time.

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