15 Vegan Restaurants in London
By Ellie Smith
5 months ago
Your guide to plant-based food in the capital
© Safia Shakarchi
Ten years ago, finding good vegan food in London was a challenge. Few restaurants offered good plant-based options – and there were practically none serving solely meat-free food. But as demand for vegan cuisine gradually increased, the restaurant world began to change accordingly– with London a pioneer in the movement. Nowadays the city has an abundance of vegan restaurants, from street food stalls to burger joints and more formal dining rooms. Here we highlight some of the best to try now, whether you’re a die-hard vegan or are giving Veganuary a go.
Best Vegan Restaurants in London
- The Spread Eagle, Homerton
- Plants by DE, Mayfair
- Holy Carrot, Knightsbridge
- Adesse, Oxford Circus
- En Root, Multiple South London Locations
- Palm Greens, King’s Cross
- Farmacy, Notting Hill
- Temple of Seitan, Camden and Hackney
- Purezza, Multiple Locations
- Neat Burger, Multiple Locations
- SpiceBox, Walthamstow
- The Vurger Co, Shoreditch
The Vurger Co
Plant-powered vegan burger restaurant The Vurger Co began its journey in July 2016 as a market stall in Bethnal Green. After gaining popularity with vegans and non-vegans alike, they opened a permanent venue in Shoreditch. There are four core burgers to choose from with rotating monthly specials – go for their bestselling Auburger, made from aubergines braised and baked in Tabasco Chipotle sauce paired with cumin mayonnaise. Still hungry? The Kentucky Dunkers are a great side: crispy, deep fried king ‘oyster’ shrooms coated in a delicious crumb, with house Piri Piri sauce on the side. Grab some crispy sweet potato fries or mac n cheese too, and finish by satisfying your sweet tooth with a tasty Chocolate Hazelnut shake.
Various locations, thevurgerco.com
SpiceBox
After making a name for itself on the street food circuit at KERB in Camden, vegan curry spot SpiceBox opened its first permanent location in Walthamstow. Here classic Indian dishes are reimagined with a plant-based twist: highlights include the Jackfruit Jalfrezi, a fiery vegan spin on the curry house cooked with peppers, onions and jackfruit; and the Brinjal Bhaji, made of charred smoky aubergine and peas in a rich tomato gravy.
58 Hoe St, London E17 4PG, eatspicebox.co.uk
Neat Burger
This plant-based burger chain is backed by Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Created in collaboration with The Cream Group and Beyond Meat’s Tommaso Chiabra, Neat Burger aims to transform the way people see vegan food with a selection of vegetable-base patties. On the menu you’ll find three core dishes: ‘the neat’, ‘the cheese’ and ‘the chick’n’, alongside skinny fries, sweet potato fries, vegan hot dogs, and American favourite tater tots. Beverages on offer include Just Water, an eco-friendly water company co-founded by Jaden Smith back in 2012, alongside drinks from Lemonaid and dairy-free, coconut and soya-based milkshakes. If you fancy something stronger, there’s a plant-based alcohol offering in the shape of Toast Ale. There are now branches in Camden and Soho too.
Various locations, neatburger.com
Purezza
Vegans don’t have to miss out on pizza, as proved by Purezza, a fully vegan pizza restaurant which settled in Camden after making a name for itself in Brighton. Instead of the cheese you might expect to see on a pizza, Purezza create their own vegan mozzarella in-house from fermented brown rice milk. Toppings-wise you’ll be spoilt for choice: options range from shaved aubergine to truffle to wood smoked tofu, all placed on top of a tasty sourdough base, with gluten-free or hemp flour substitutes also available. Jack & Bry has recently launched a jackfruit ‘pepperoni’ pizza there – which is apparently a world first. Vegan versions of popular sides are also on offer, including mac’n’cheese and dough balls, as well as a number of tasty desserts – we recommend the salted caramel brownie.
45-47 Parkway, London NW1 7PN, purezza.co.uk
Temple of Seitan
This Hackney vegan fast food joint really is temple-like, with queues around the block and a loyal following of customers who return time and time again for the finger-lickin’ good vegan fried ‘chicken’, which is actually made with seitan. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that vegans too crave a deep-fried treat once in a while, and Temple of Seitan has proven so popular that there are now branches dotted around London.
Various locations, templeofseitan.co.uk
Farmacy
This Notting Hill spot is where all the trendiest veggies and vegans congregate – thanks to the cool interiors as well as the wonderful food on offer. Farmacy is the brainchild of Camilla Fayed, who worked with experts to develop a menu of nourishing, healthy dishes that are also mighty tasty. The guacamole is one of the best in town and should be ordered as a side no matter what you’re eating, and is especially good when accompanying the sweet potato falafel starter. The Mexican Bowl is a standout with its bright purple potatoes and ‘sour cream’, while the burger is a classic, made from millet, black beans and mushrooms. Pair with a few cocktails (with added medicinal benefits, or Cannabidiol) from the Alchemy Bar, and save space for the raw chocolate tart. With no refined sugars, additives or chemicals, you can indulge guilt-free.
74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH, farmacylondon.com
Palm Greens
California-inspired Palm Greens has launched a new site in King’s Cross, joining three other vegan traders to form Plant-Based Pit Stop, a fast-casual vegan dining destination. Co-founder Kali Hamm is an expert in healthy, plant-based cuisine, having studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York before launching a career as a private chef. A few years ago she joined forces with Memby Jago, who worked in the music industry before falling in love with hospitality in his role as Host at Spitalfields restaurant Som Saa. Their aim? To make eating well easy. On the menu you’ll find a vibrant selection of salads and bowls, such as Mexican Tostada: the signature dish, a punchy number made with black beans, quinoa, kale and chipotle. There’s also Kale Caesar, a twist on the classic chicken salad – this one featuring butter beans, kale, crispy capers, almond, and cashew Caesar dressing. After a grab-and-go vegan breakfast? Palm Greens offer an array of these, including granola bowls with coconut yoghurt, avocado on sourdough, and tahini maple toast.
Unit 67 Containerville – Gate E Entrance, 1 Emma St, London E2 9FP, palmgreens.co.uk
En Root
Proving all Indian food doesn’t need to leave you feeling lethargic is En Root, a vegan street food restaurant. There are now branches in Clapham and Peckham, with a recently opened outpost within the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton. Founded by Nish and Harshil Modasia alongside co-founder Thomas Price, En Root serves up hearty, home-cooked meals with an emphasis on nutrition and the power of plants. Instead of heavy curries, expect gluten-free pancakes filled with saag aloo, chickpea and patra leaf patties, crispy cassava chips and an Indian-inspired take on the buddha bowl. If you’re big on spice, their famously fiery Raja Bonnet Sauce is sure to get your tastebuds tingling. As all dishes are fairly light you’ll have space for pudding too: go for the mango lassi cheesecake, a sweet dosa or some peanut butter and cacao energy balls – all washed down with a revitalising cacao chai tea. Everything at En Root is made using fresh fruit and veg from the local Brixton Market, and supporting local businesses is at the heart of its philosophy. You can try En Root’s food at the restaurant or via delivery – but also keep an eye out for the friendly food truck at festivals, markets and events.
Various locations, enrootldn.co.uk
Adesse
A-lister favourite Matthew Kenney has made his first foray into London with Adesse, Selfridges’ latest vegan restaurant. A vibrant menu features colourful, innovative dishes served as works of art – with everything made using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Many dishes are plant-based twists on classics. There’s a baked raclette sharing board, for instance, and a vegan take on a frittata served with cashew yoghurt and topped with shaved vegetables. Crab cakes are made with jackfruit, and there’s even a rather beautiful cheese plate, featuring three types of vegan cheese with seeded crackers. Kenney is known for his show-stopping desserts – and Adesse certainly delivers on this front too. Options include hibiscus cheesecake, lime curd with shortbread and a chocolate and salted caramel crunch, served with a plant-based ice cream.
400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB, selfridges.com
Holy Carrot
Hidden away inside Knightsbridge wellness centre Urban Retreat is Holy Carrot, offering plant-based dishes designed to nourish from the inside out. Everything is free from refined sugar and additives too, with the focus being twists on classic dishes. The Holy Maki, for instance, is veggie sushi rolls made with quinoa and cauliflower rice, while the BLT features smoked tofu and ‘bacon’ made from potatoes. Pair with a green juice or a Rose Negroni, mixed with VII Hills Gin, rhubarb liqueur and Rose Vermouth.
2-4 Hans Cres, London SW1X 0LH, holycarrot.co.uk
Plants by DE
With numerous cookbooks, a food product line and a hugely successful app under her belt, Ella Mills (AKA Deliciously Ella) is a key player on the vegan scene. One of her latest ventures is Plants by DE in Mayfair, which offers an entirely plant-based and seasonal menu devised by Mills alongside her head chef. Even the butters and mayonnaise are made with natural, vegan ingredients, with any external suppliers selected only for their quality produce. Divided between small and large plates (ideal for sharing), the menu comprises an eclectic selection of dishes to satisfy all appetites. Currently it offers seasonal dishes like aubergine with garlic black rice, butter beans with cavolo nero, and okra fries with peanut sauce. There’s also a great breakfast menu featuring the likes of blueberry pancakes, scrambled tofu rancheros and Deliciously Ella’s signature granola served with coconut yoghurt and fruit compote.
18 Weighhouse St, London W1K 5AH, deliciouslyella.com
The Spread Eagle
Traditional pub food is given an eco-twist at The Spread Eagle, London’s first fully vegan pub. Found on Homerton High Street, its menu champions seasonal ingredients, with dishes including a plant-based burger, a vegan take on the classic pie and mash, and a Sunday roast featuring beetroot wellington and a cashew nut roast. Drinks also change with the seasons, with house wines, vodka and gin arriving in refill packs. Sustainability is high on the agenda here, with a minimal waste policy implemented in the kitchen and local producers used where possible, such as the nearby Hackney Gelato and Totally Wild.
224 Homerton High St, London E9 6AS, thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk
Featured image: Plants by DE
