So, you’re planning a trip to London, eh? Well, vegan reader, you’re in luck! Because London just happens to be one of the most vegan friendly places in the world.
Way back in my 20s, I was fortunate enough to spend a few years living here, and along the way sampled some seriously good food (and drank far too many pints!). Unfortunately, I wasn’t vegan at the time, so I wasn’t really paying much attention to vegan food choices.
However, since moving to Northern Ireland, I’ve made a few trips back to London and, in the process, eaten some truly incredible vegan food in the city.
So, without further ado, here are some restaurants I’ve visited and enjoyed – along with a few locations that are totally on my to-visit list for future visits!
I’ve also thrown in some sweet, sweet pubs and drinking holes you might be interested in. Because, when in London…
Places to Eat
Pamela
You’ll find this restaurant deep in the heart of east London along the super hip Kingsland Road. But believe me when I say, it is so, so worth the trek. I’ve no photos to share with you, because it was hella dark inside, but the food was to die for. It’s a completely vegan menu (YES!) with some next-level cocktail choices. We sampled just about everything on the menu – greedy, I know – and nothing disappointed. The menu is ever-changing, but I can’t imagine ever ordering a bad dish from Pamela. If it’s a drink you’re looking for – and if you happen to be a total gin fiend like me – then the cocktail you need in your life is the Mellon Collie. You’re welcome, gin-loving friends!
Yauatcha Soho
You won’t be surprised to learn that this dim sum teahouse has a Michelin Star. It is simply phenomenal. And, they cater so wonderfully for vegans. We chowed down on the Vegetarian Group Menu, and the waitress kindly informed me of any dishes I couldn’t eat as a vegan (note: it was only the edamame truffle dumpling and the dessert… win!). Want to know what really blew me away though? The insanely believable vegan duck. It. Was. INCREDIBLE. If you ask me, Yauatcha is worth a visit just for this dish alone.
Ottolenghi Spitalfields
We visited Ottolenghi Spitalfields for a spot of brunch… my favorite meal of the day. There were plenty of vegetarian options and a vegan option. But, honestly, the vegan option doesn’t disappoint. The scrambled tofu and rose harissa is a delight. The flavours are so fresh, and bonus, they’ve nailed the scrambled tofu. No soggy, wet scrambled tofu here! There are also dairy-free milk options as well for your morning coffee. If you happen to be staying elsewhere in London, Ottolenghi also have locations in Kensington, Islington, Notting Hill, and Belgravia.
Dishoom
I’ve eaten here more times than I should admit. It’s a real experience, especially for those of you who love authentic Indian food. The whole vibe of the place is so theatrical, you truly feel like you’ve been transported to the old Irani Cafes of Bombay. I don’t even know where to start with food recommendations, but let me try… the gunpowder potatoes are a must – because spicy potatoes, what could be better? Bedmi Puri, vegetable samosas, okra fries… all of it. Just eat all of it. Please, if there is one place you eat in London, make it Dishoom. (p.s. AMAZING COCKTAILS!)
The Full Nelson Deptford
Much to my dismay, I’ve not yet eaten at The Full Nelson in Deptford. But their Instagram feed has me desperate to get there. It’s a fully veggie/vegan pub featuring burgers guaranteed to make you drool. If, like me, you love nothing more than some super junky vegan food, then you should check out their Instagram food and put this on your list of places to eat. I hear they do a mean brunch on Sundays too – perfect for any (inevitable) hangovers you might be nursing.
byChloe
Many of you have no doubt heard of byChloe by now – especially any American readers out there. byChloe is another of the restaurants I stalk incessantly on Instagram and dammit, I will eat here before I return to Australia. The menu is insane! It’s loaded with some serious comfort food from tofu fish and chips to sticky toffee pudding… what more do you need to know? You’ll find byChloe at Covent Garden, and hopefully, one day you’ll find me eating there too!
Places to Drink
London Gin Club
What can I say? I just really love gin! The London Gin Club is only a small place, but it has oodles of character. They have wonderful gin tasting menus to choose from, and they are worth every penny. The staff helpfully tell you exactly how you should go about tasting the gin to its full potential – fun fact: it’s not by slamming it down your gullet in one gulp… what a surprise! If you love gin, don’t miss this place.
The Jerusalem Tavern
If you’re searching for an interesting London pub, I’m a big fan of the Jerusalem Tavern in Farringdon. The building itself dates back to the 18th Century (even though it’s only been a pub since the 1990s) so it has plenty of character. A great location for cold winter nights when you want to find a cozy nook some place.
Big Chill Bar
When you find yourself gasping for a pint on Brick Lane, take a trip to the Big Chill Bar. It’s always buzzing and has a sweet alfresco area to soak up any summer sun you might be lucky enough to experience on your trip. The perfect location for anyone who has an appreciation for music!
The Aviary
Visiting in summer? Looking for a rooftop bar to sup cocktails and view London from on high? I heartily recommend The Aviary in Finsbury Square. You’ll feel terribly fabulous basking in the sun with a glass of fine Picpoul de Pinet in hand (see mum, I can be fancy!)
London Cocktail Club
I visited the London Cocktail Club in Shoreditch, but they do have locations across London, so check out their website for a location convenient to you. They have an enviable cocktail menu and, added bonus, happy hour before 6pm. YES!
The Ten Bells
This charming pub is located right opposite Old Spitalfields Market. I used to walk by it every evening on my way home from work – it was always so tempting just to step inside and have a pint. Oh the restraint I had to exercise! If you are a lover of beers and trivia, give it a visit on a Tuesday night for their Quiz Night. Oh, and here is some trivia for you history buffs, The Ten Bells is linked to not one, but two Jack the Ripper murders… don’t say I didn’t warn you!
