Conscious entertainment, ethical eating, care for the environment: there’s all this and more at InSpiral Lounge, a new organic cafe and bar offering food, drinks and fun keeping to the highest ethical standard.

The Venue
You’re probably familiar with the premises: until recently, Inspiral Lounge was a subdued cafe selling tickets for canal cruises. Now you can expect a light green space with modern decor inspired by organic design, with half-suspended untreated wooden tables and benches, and round shag carpets. However, don’t go expecting a grassroot environment, in the same room a no-nonsense DJ booth promises ambient and global tunes while a small live stage delivers intimate performances. In front of the bar, a prominent recycling area clues in customers on the values promoted at InSpiral Lounge, while beside it health products, tonics, books and CDs complying with those same ideals are on sale.

The Atmosphere
This is a complete venue: food and drinks may be the main business but they take the rest very seriously. Carefully selected live acts and DJs are drafted in to play every weekend and poetry readings, and health and environment talks are also scheduled. The Inspiral lounge is also a testing ground for a wider reaching project aiming to develop environmental outreach, utilizing the lounge to showcase for alternative energy, sustainable building technology and healthy living.

The Drink
You can sip on several drinks but keep it ethical. The house and red wines are both organic and go for £4 per glass or £14 per bottle. Beers are just as good for the planet and the highlights are Freedom Organic Lager (£3), Atlantic Blue or Red Organic Ale (£3), Dunkertons Perry (£4.50) an Black Fox Cider (£4). Obviously you can get yourself organic sparkling herbal drinks, smoothies, hot drinks and even brandy coffee: you will still be going green no matter what you choose.

The Food
A paradise for vegetarians, vegans and raw foodies, Inspiral Lounge does not provide a huge choice but what they serve is very well thought out. Obviously preference is given to seasonal ingredients, sourced nearby and organically grown. Meals are sold with a simple formula: choose between the hot buffet and the salad selection. Snacks, soups, sandwiches, cakes and brownies, baked or raw and all looking delicious, are also available. Within the deli, the raw pate and the antipasto platter are particularly mouthwatering and the raw chocolate treat seems the best way to close your meal.

The Last Word
No need to recommend this to the green conscious. InSpiral lounge is worth a visit from everybody: food, drinks and entertainment cannot disappoint and if there is a environmental bonus in them, even better!

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