In the last five years, countless restaurants have taken on fresh, healthful menus in the British capital. It’s more than just about tofu, and meat substitutes. The meals at these restaurants are vibrant, imaginative, and enticing.
As Londoners taste buds adapt, even the more mainstream to-go brands have taken notice. Last year, Pret-A-Manger announced its first ever vegetarian-only restaurant. What was supposed to be a month-long experiment has turned into a permanent feature. The Soho Pret location will remain vegetarian; in fact, another veggie Pret in London is already in the works, according to the company’s CEO.
If you fancy a more traditional sit down meal, here are some other lovely spots with vegan-friendly menus:
1. Farmacy:
74 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH
Dish we’re eager to tuck into: Middle East Super Bowl with a Melt Away syringe shot. Yes, that’s right they serve shots. This one has ginko, turmeric, gotu kola, garcinia, milk thistle, and cucumber juice.
Photo Courtesy of Farmacy.
21 Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BH & 18-20 Weighhouse Street, London, W1K 5LU
Dish we’re eager to tuck into: The vegan Victoria Sponge cake. Non-vegans can’t tell that this beauty is free of eggs, milk, and cream. And of course some chocolate power balls to-go.
Photo courtesy of Mae Deli
139 King's cross Road, London WC1X 9BJ
Dish we’re eager to tuck into: Everything here is japanese, vegan, and organic. So can we really chose? Kakiage Udon. Kakiage is crispy, golden tempura-style veg that’s accompanied with udon noodles. There’s also the house speciality: Itadaki Zen Nigiri Sushi, 12 rolls of veg and seaweed sushi.
Photo courtesy of Itadaki Zen
222 North End Rd. West Kensington, London W14 9NU
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: Spinach and Oyster Mushroom Raclettes.
Photo courtesy of 222 Veggie Vegan
286-290 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: Raw cashew and pistachio brownie and a coffee. (They do main courses as well. But when dessert is so good, why not?).
Photo courtesy of The Hive
21 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PL
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: A Vegan Full English breakfast. It’s not everyday you find a full British breakfast -- but meatless.
Photo courtesy of The Gallery Cafe
216 - 218 Camberwell Road, London SE5 OED
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: This Ethiopian restaurant has a selection of lentils and veggies served on a large pancake. Spicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Photo Courtesy of Zeret Kitchen.
Stables Market Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: Vegan Shakshuka - a harissa-happy, tomato-ey base with tofu, onion, red peppers, and garlic. Perfect for dunking in an artisan loaf. Get it with their homemade tea, a refreshing concoction of lemon, ginger, and mint.
Photo Courtesy of Cafe Loren.
110 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1JR
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: The Blueberry Pancake Stack made with pine nuts, coconut ‘mascarpone,’ and dark berry coulis. Breakfast or dessert? We could have it for either.
Photo Courtesy of Nama Artisan Foods.
88 Brixton Road, Christ church, London SW9 6BE
Dishes we’re eager to tuck into: An Iced Turmeric Latte with a full Sunday roast (yes, the full works but it’s vegan).
Photo Courtesy of Cafe Van Gogh.