Lu-Ma is an independent café situated in the heart of Wimbledon on Worple Road.
I had the opportunity to speak with its owner, Maria, who gave me fascinating insights into its background and concept.
The café’s name is derived from Lu(Lucy, Maria’s daughter) and Ma(Maria, the manager).
Lu-Ma opened in 2017 and this family run business serves breakfast and lunch items on its menu.
The main concept of the restaurant is offering a plant based menu.
Originally, the building housing the café started off as a B&B.
At this time, meat was still an option on the menu (think Full English!), however Maria wanted a change, so the plant based menu was formed.
Maria was very open with me as to how the change in concept came about: she researched her own health struggles and along with her daughter, did macrobiotic training at a centre in Scotland.
She decided to change her diet by eating less in the way of refined sugar, processed food, red meat and dairy: “We came back and felt so passionate about bringing good clean food in Wimbledon, that I started the café”.
Her stories on the development of this change are heart-warming – she described how one regular customer, who was initially frustrated by the removal of the Full English breakfast provided by the B&B, was converted by the plant-based concept within a month, as his wife had commented on how amazing he looked!
From those early days, the café grew.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Café was well used; the now beautiful outside area was originally a car park for the hotel, which was later converted to an outdoor eating area which helped during Covid when there were restrictions.
As with any hospitality businesses(especially as a small independent business) , staffing and finances were, and still are, the main challenge.
Once the pandemic was over, there were difficulties finding staff, so Lu-Ma took a break.
Maria told me “It was always really important to have the right team.”
Maria was also undertaking graduate training, and so had extra demands on her time.
Eventually, she missed the connection with local people so they decided to reopen as staffing pressures eased.
There are exciting future plans, such as a collaboration with Mollys Mindful Movement and cookery class.
Luma Café has a welcoming feeling, with a fresh outdoor space, or a cosy indoor area to choose from.
I chose the Pancakes (vegan and gluten free) with maple syrup, sliced fruits and walnuts, and a hot chocolate which were absolutely delicious and served up by her wonderful team, whom I had the pleasure to meet.
It is clear from speaking to Maria that community and passion for the plant-based food are at the core of the café.
