Going vegan is on the rise. Last January the Veganuary campaign saw over 60,000 people signing up to a diet of plants, grains and deliciousness, representing a huge 260% growth from the previous year. And although figures for this year’s have yet to be released, a further significant increase is expected. For many of those experimenting with all out animal abandonment this has become a more permanent lifestyle change, with an increase of 350% in the number of vegans living in the UK.
Whether it’s a lifestyle choice, a health based, cholesterol bustin’ move or a dietary decision, veganism is a growing trend that’s here to stay. Vegans and the vibrant British dining scene though, seem to be at loggerheads, with diets dismissed as picky and chefs labelled as lacking in compassion, in equal measure. Fortunately, these attitudes too appear to be shifting, and not a moment too soon. This is apparent in the results from a recent Pulse survey by Nisbets, retailers of catering equipment, where 20% of businesses said they considered consumer demand when changing their menus.
London, it seems, is leading the way and with this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL vegan restaurants and menus in London.
THE SPREAD EAGLE
Earlier this year, London’s first Vegan pub opened its door, with a massive ace up their sustainably sourced sleeve; Club Mexicana at the stoves. The menu is complete with a whole load of Latin American treats; beer-battered “tofish” tacos with vegan chorizo, vegan fried chicken scallops and much more. There’s also vegan beer, free from the animal-based ingredients (egg whites, fish bladders…..) often used by breweries in the clarification process. Lovely stuff and not a quinoa granola in sight.
Website: www.thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk
Vegan Burger | © @SpreadEagleLDN
FED BY WATER
Italian food is unfussy and ingredient led, letting the good stuff do the talking with a less is definitely more approach. This is good news for vegans, as less animal products get used to pep things up, and vegetables are quite rightly celebrated for being what they are. This place promotes a Mediterranean alkaline diet, which although a little nonsensical, basically translates as removing all the impurities found in tapwater before using it for cooking. Ignore the faux-science stuff and go for some of the best tomatoes, olives and vegan cheese in town.
Website: fedbywater.co.uk
THE TEMPLE OF SEITAN
This ever popular vegan fast food shop selling fried chicken made out of a gluten based meat substitute called seitan (hence the name) is definitely worth a visit. Even carnivore comrades have been Instagramming snaps of their delectable looking Chick’n burgers. This one is definitely for those in need of a ‘meat’ fix, and there’s no shame in that.
Website: templeofseitan.co.uk
Vegan Fried Chicken | © Facebook/Temple Of Seitan
WULF & LAMB
There’s no apologetic Vegan section of the menu here. Half-heartedly stuffed peppers or scrap veg risotto, you won’t find. Nope, it’s 100% plant based, because after all, if you’re not going to go hard, you might as well go home. Hungry. There are burgers, curries, pastas and more, all beautifully imagined and presented. As their slogan signals, it’s veg, with edge. Indeed.
Website: wulfandlamb.com
COOKIES AND SCREAM’S
This bakery has got any vegan with a serious sweet tooth sorted. Every delicious doughnut, crumbly cookie and gooey brownie is dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free. Boom! They also have an indulgent range of ‘Scream Shakes’ made by blending their specially developed sauces with a brownie or cookie mix. Because hey, veganism can still be naughty.
Website: www.cookiesandscream.com