Although the naysayers will tell you that veganism is just a hippy fad, as a food trend and lifestyle choice, it’s more popular than ever. So while you may be weary of unkempt beards and kabbalah bracelets, there’s surely nothing wrong with trying a meal entirely powered by plants, especially considering November is World Vegan Month. Check out our pick of vegan restaurants in London and book a table with SquareMeal today.
Words: Eamonn Crowe
222 Veggie Vegan, West Kensington
What: Despite its location on an ugly stretch of the North End Road, this unassuming spot survives thanks to the quality of its exclusively vegan offering. Cheekily reinvented mains include a veggie-mince burger, seitan stroganoff or a vegan roast with potato and parsnip mash. To finish there’s apple crumble, or if you’re really brave, tofu cheesecake – book 222 Veggie Vegan now
Try this: Order the ‘raw’ spice island pie for your dessert, and don’t forget to check out the all-you-can-eat lunchtime buffet.
Where: 222 North End Road, W14 9NU
Essence Cuisine, Shoreditch
What: This all-day, plant-based concept boasts an entirely meat, dairy and gluten-free menu. Head here in the evening for the likes of heirloom tomato lasagne and raw pad Thai. Save some room for dessert, as there’s lime cheesecake with a ginger crumble base, and a chocolate brownie made from raw cacao ganache and Himalayan salt – book Essence Cuisine now
Try this: Turn up in the morning to enjoy pick-me-up coffees with raw pancakes topped with candied walnuts and vanilla coconut cream.
Where: 94 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH
Tibits, Bankside and Mayfair
What: Following the launch of a second site in Bankside earlier this year, this build-your-own veggie and vegan concept still pulls in the crowds. Following a lap of the signature buffet station, you can fill your plate with dishes such as a vegan sausage roll and a healthy dollop of tangy guacamole. The weight-based pricing can add up, but the food is worth the weight – book Tibits now
Try this: Enjoy the tooth-achingly sweet vegan sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Where: 12-14 Heddon Street, W1B 4DA; 124 Southwark Street, SE1 0SW
Wulf & Lamb, Belgravia
What: Located on Sloane Square, this all-day site proves that vegan doesn’t have to mean raw or tasteless. The menu is entirely plant-based and replete with substitutes for meat, dairy and the like. Take the chili ‘non’ carne which comes with cashew sour cream, the vegan full English breakfast, or the spicy bean burger – book Wulf & Lamb now
Try this: Don’t skip the vegan mac ’n’ cheese.
Where: 243 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
For more meat-free options, take a look at our pick of vegetarian-friendly and vegetarian-only restaurants in the capital.
This article was published 1 November 2017