Recent figures estimate that 3.5 million people in the UK now identify as vegan and with one-third of Brits trying to cut down on meat too, there is a clear shift towards plant-based eating. And with more options than ever in terms of eating out, there’s never been a better time to give it a try.
1. The Meet
15-16 Lendal Terrace, London SW4 7UX
London’s latest vegan hotspot is The Meet in Clapham, which is using all the latest meat-free alternatives alongside herbs and spices to transform familiar meaty dishes into unexpected vegan comfort food, such as What a Mess – a black bean, plantain and jackfruit chilli served with chips and vegan cheese, topped with vegan labneh and salsa. There are entirely plant-based cocktails on offer too, such as an Amaretto Sour made using Ms Better’s Miraculous Foamer, which provides the creaminess of egg white without the egg.
2. BabaBoom
30 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EE
Nearby in Battersea, London’s coolest kebab makers, BabaBoom now offers vegan versions of its coal-fired cauliflower and broad bean falafel kebabs, whilst Battersea Power Station’s contemporary Indian hotspot, The Cinnamon Kitchen has a four-course vegan tasting menu.
3. Amrutha Lounge
326 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4EJ
In Wandsworth, the friendly Amrutha Lounge cooks up what it describes as ‘vegan soul food’ lovingly prepared on the premises every day. Tuck into kale salad, crispy pakoras and ‘tofish’ (a vegan alternative to fish) in a sesame seed batter with fresh herbs, peanut satay sauce and sweet chilli.
4. The Wicked Vegan
14 Hildreth St, Balham, London SW12 9RQ
Over in Balham, The Wicked Vegan has a mouthwatering selection of vegan ‘junk food’ – we’re talking burgers, wraps and shakes all made from scratch and specials such as deep-fried jackfruit wings and vegan mac and cheese.
5. Venn Street Market
Venn St, London SW4 0AT
Last year, popular vegan blogger Fat Gay Vegan teamed up with Clapham Common’s Venn Street Market, and there’s now a great selection of vegan street food and produce on offer every Saturday, from homemade vegan cheeses to delicious doughnuts and more.
6. Ms Cupcake
Finally, if you’re in need of a sweet (vegan) treat then you’ll find London’s first entirely vegan bakery Ms Cupcake in Brixton.
