Shoreditch based Imaginary Café Serves up platters of nothing

by Startacus Admin
Well it was only a matter of time wasn't it? What with cereal only cafés and crisp sandwich restaurants making the headlines lately, no one was surprised to hear of the launch of the most alternative eatery yet to hit the UK high street.
'Imaginary Café' has the spurious accolade of being the first UK café to specialise in the serving of...absolutely nothing.
Yes, hungry hipsters and fashionable foodies of Shoreditch can pop into Imaginary Café, take a load off, and tuck into a mouthwatering feast of lovingly prepared nothing. The exciting menu includes the café’s own special creations 'all you can eat nothing', 'nothing and no veg' and 'I can't believe its not something'.
"I think the café is managing to meet a real need that exists here in Shoreditch at the moment" explained café proprietor Alan Charloutaine. "More and more when people go out to eat, it's got nothing to do with food, it's about embracing innovation, quirkiness, fashion, entrepreneurialism, innovation and innovative entrepreneurialism".
From the 1000 strong queue forming outside the café’s shop front on a freezing Monday morning, it's clear that the idea is a big hit with the young trendy upwardly mobile types. "I think it's great! I mean, we are are always being told that less is more so surely nothing must be the most, right?" said one heavily bearded 22 year old who claimed to have been queuing for just over a week.
Inside the café, the wall paper pasting tables and reclaimed primary school chairs are crammed with happy diners, loudly congratulating each other on their individuality and praising the owners for their originality "It's a great way to support the local economy" said one diner, as he placed a napkin on his lap and began happily tucking into an £8 bowl of 'French nothing soup'.
"It's that nostalgic feeling you get" said another, clutching a bright pink stuffed care bear "it just takes me back to my childhood and having imaginary tea parties with my imaginary friends. I mean, just because we get older doesn't mean that we have to take a rational approach to life... this isn't the 90's! #ForeverYoung"
As Alan busied himself getting ready for the lunchtime rush I asked him what he thought about some of the criticisms that have been levelled at the café over its concept and pricing, to which he replied "Haters gonna hate and if you can't afford it, you wouldn't understand".
When I asked him what his big plans are for the future of Imaginary Café he replied:
"That's easy; absolutely nothing!"If you like this recent news - you might also like to read that Research shows having a beard increases your Startup success by 86%
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.

Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 15th January 2015
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.