Veganism has gone from a niche diet to a mainstream must for an increasing amount of people over the past decade. Meat consumption in the UK has declined by 19% over the past decade and the World Health Organisation last year recommended following a plant-based diet for a healthier life.
While vegans were once seen as having to endure an incredibly restrictive diet there is now an abundance of options. In supermarkets, recipe books, the world of fashion, and increasingly restaurants, it is undoubtedly easier than ever to follow a vegan lifestyle. There are now 40 Michelin star vegan restaurants worldwide. Gone are the days when going vegan meant chowing down on a sad salad.
The diet, which consists of eating no products that require animals or animal inputs, has many famous fans from athletes like Venus Williams to actors, including Pamela Anderson and Joaquin Phoenix. With an increased awareness of both the health and environmental benefits, the vegan diet is likely to increase its following, particularly now it is easier than ever to stick to. Whether you're a fully fledged vegan, vegan curious or just fancy a change, we have rounded up the best vegan restaurants in London below, each with such delectable menus, you will not regret trying them.
Jam Delish, Islington
Jam Delish is an independent, family owned, Jamaican vegan restaurant in Angel, Islington . The establishment is run by two siblings who wanted to recreate the hearty and wholesome vegan Caribbean food they grew up eating.
The successful fusion of the owners' love for plant-based food with their Caribbean culture was perceived to be a large gap in the market and they were right, no one else was doing it. With five-star reviews from restaurant critics and customers, it is easy to understand why the spot hosts an impressive list of regular clientele including actors and footballers.
The restaurant successfully incorporates the flavours and tastes associated with the Caribbean and delivers them in a cruelty-free way, aubergine jerk, vegan versions of goat curry, and Bajan fried ‘codfish’ are some of the menu's highlights. They also have an impressive cocktail menu filled with tropical delights.
Mali Vegan Thai, Earls Court
Mali Vegan is the only Thai vegan restaurant in the country and specialises in small plates and twists on contemporary Thai dishes. The food is widely renowned for being exceptional and is popular with meat eaters as well as vegans. The abundance of fresh and aromatic vegetables and spices leaves both your body and soul feeling nourished and you can wash it down with their alcoholic milky tea cocktail which is simply sublime. The deep fried dumplings and green papaya salad are so good they have to be tasted to be believed.
Mallow, Borough Market
Setting up Mallow in Borough Market which is known for its artisanal cheeses, fantastic fish mongers and brilliant butchers was a bold move. However, it is one that has paid off, and it is easy to see why when one explores their menu. The restaurant, named after the edible flower, successfully incorporates a range of flavours, cultures and nationalities while serving all the classics.
Warming porridge, glorious pancakes and a full English breakfast make it the perfect place to stop by to indulge in a beautiful brunch before a day of sightseeing in one of London’s most frequently visited markets.
Holy Carrot, Notting Hill
Holy Carrot started as a pop up restaurant and was so successful they are opening a permanent spot in Notting Hill later this month. It will include their successful hits from the pop up including their celeriac risotto, crispy croquettes, buffalo wings as well as a range of new additions. To drink there will be plenty of fresh juices and smoothies, but they will also be serving cocktails for those who prefer something a little stronger.
Located on Portobello Road which is a beacon of pioneering trends and creativity, Holy Carrot has found its perfect permanent spot.
Edit, Hackney
This modern, British, vegan restaurant is located in the very heart of Hackney and specialises in seasonal produce. Their tasting menu changes weekly so you are always in for something new, exciting and delicious. Ethics are at the source of everything they do and thefood is sourced from small-scale farmers, foragers and independent producers; the company embraces a ‘root-to-fruit’ mentality which means you maximise what can be used from produce, and minimise waste.
In spite of the lack of cream, their rhubarb creme brulee is widely revered as being one of the best in London, and their impressive wine list means your meal can be perfectly paired, with the help of their in house sommelier.
Purezza, Camden
This pizzeria offers pizzas so good, you will forget they are made with entirely plant-based ingredients. Plant-based mozzarella, sumptuous sourdough bases, and flavoursome vegan sausages are some of the options available at this increasingly popular spot. Purezza originally opened in 2015 in Brighton but its soaring popularity led the owners to open a restaurant in one of London’s most visited locations, Camden. It’s not just pizza on offer, they also have pasta, salads, and desserts on their ever changing menu.
London is renowned for being an amalgam of different cultures, people, and traditions, however, it’s also a city known for constantly evolving and changing. The increase in vegan restaurants in the capital city reflects both these realities. With the increasing demand, a whole new plethora of restaurants inspired by cuisines from across the world has opened – a trend that is only set to continue further.
