By Lauren Harmes
As the new year is upon us and Veganuary is in full swing, it seems only right to count down the restaurants and cafés you can wave bye-bye to dairy and meat but still enjoy a delicious meal.
Pied à Terre
If it’s a fine-dining experience you’re after to satisfy your vegan cravings, you could do a lot worse than Pied à Terre. The proud holder of a Michelin star, the Fitzrovia restaurant offers a full ten-course vegan tasting menu for special occasions or a hot date, with dishes such as Carrot Velouté, Jerusalem Artichoke and Salt Baked Heritage Beetroots.
Where: 34 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NH
by CHLOE.
This vegan restaurant is a huge hit across the ocean with venues in New York, LA and Boston, so it was only a matter of time before it made its way to London.
With sites in Covent Garden and Tower Bridge, by CHLOE.’s menu has lots of vegan fast food treats such as their famous Guac Burger, but there are less calorific options for the health-conscious, as well as British classics for their London venues including fish & chips and even a roast dinner!
Where: 34-43 Russell Street, WC2B 5HA & 6 Duchess Walk, SE1 2SD
Young Vegans
If you’re looking for some pure vegan comfort food – look no further than Young Vegans Pie Shop. Situated in the trendy Camden Market, you can warm your vegan cockles with their renowned pie and mash – a vegan take on this national treasure. From katsu curry pie, to vegan steak and ale pie – there is something for everyone.
Where: 60 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
Wulf & Lamb
This 100% plant-based restaurant proclaims that it offers “fiercely kind food”, and they’re right. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between, Wulf & Lamb’s contemporary extensive menu reads like a vegan’s dream. Not got time to sit at a table and enjoy? This Chelsea restaurant also offer takeaways for those of you in a rush.
Where: 243 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
Sutton and Sons
For years, vegans have felt quite isolated from the joys of the traditional chip shop but fear no more – Sutton and Sons are here to save the day!
London’s first 100% vegan chip shop in Hackney offers a vegan “fish” made from banana blossom marinated in seaweed and samphire then deep fried in their own batter. Just make sure you don’t forget to try Mrs Sutton’s home-made pickles!
Where: 240 Graham Road, E8 1BP
Black Cat Café
Black Cat Café is a staple of the vegan food scene in London with its relaxed atmosphere and large, wholesome dishes. Based in Hackney, this co-operatively run space serves curries, sausage rolls and samosas alongside selling vegan treats such as cashew-based cheeses, Club Mate and vegan cookbooks. There is an anarchist undertone at Black Cat Café which only adds to its charm.
Where: 76A Clarence Road, E5 8HB
Rasa
Sometimes only a hearty curry will do – and Rasa has you covered for vegetarian and vegan Indian delights. Based in Stoke Newington, Rasa is an award-winning restaurant offering a large selection of vegan curries and smaller dishes. Try the Avial Curry – you will not be disappointed!
They have two restaurants, but the Stoke Newington one is more vegan-friendly. Find it at 55 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0AR. Nearest station is Stoke Newington.
Where: 55 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 OAR
Manna
Manna is a bit of a hot spot among celebrity veggies and vegans, and for good reason. Using flavours from around the world and taking inspiration from greengrocer Phil’s daily 3am trips to the farmers’ markets, you will be sure to find something different and delicious every time you visit.
Where: 4 Erskine Road, NW3 3AJ
Mildreds
No list of vegan restaurants would be complete without Mildreds. Starting off in Soho 30 years ago, they now have venues in Camden, Dalston and King’s Cross and show no signs of slowing down. From Sri Lankan curries to flavoursome soul bowls, you will hard pressed to not enjoy a visit to Mildreds.
Where: Various
St Margaret’s House Gallery Café
Take a trip out to Bethnal Green and enjoy the delights that St Margaret’s House has to offer – the food is just a part of it. This community hub hosts events, workshops, wellbeing classes and art exhibitions, but the star surely is the café. From full English breakfasts and American-style pancakes to burgers and nachos, this is a must-visit at any time of day.
Out in Bethnal Green, you’ll find the community and charity hub known as St Margaret’s House. Here, you can do yoga or take an art class, but we’d recommend heading straight to the cafe. Start with breakfast – either the vegan full English or a stack of American-style pancakes should do nicely – and watch it get better from there. Absolutely everything here is vegan, so kiss a not-so-fond goodbye to the days of going off-menu!
Where: 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL
