Now my mother has always been suspicious of wholefood restaurants, but I'd be very happy to take her to Star Anise Cafe.

We've eaten both lunches and evening meals there. Often the 'fish' option is the same as the 'veggie' option but with fish substituted for tempeh or tofu. There's quite a Japanese undertone to the food, with seaweed often appearing on the plate. Every time I order a large portion, and realise my mistake when it appears, as the size of it stops me from having a dessert.

The clientèle can be a little 'Stroudy' - free-range children on occassions, people in hand-knitted, expensive rags. The patisserie is wonderful. Home made croissants (made in house from scratch, not bought in frozen and baked off) taste slightly yeasty and are just...mmmm. 13 September 2007