World Vegan Day 2016: Top five vegan places to eat in London

To a lot of people, the idea of eating a completely vegan meal doesn’t sound appealing. Even some find it a stretch being a vegetarian for one sitting. The concept of veganism can often be ridiculed – with some who consider it another new food fad. If you have any vegan friends, you’ll usually know about it. All jokes aside, we should be more mindful about the food we eat. Cutting meat, fish, dairy or any other animal products from our daily menu will not only reduce animal cruelty but also support our planet and reduce our impact on the environment. This World Vegan Month give plants a chance, and check out some of these vegan and vegetarian eateries.

The Bonnington Café in Vauxhall

Dinner in Vauxhall? We had the same thought at first. However, The Bonnington Café, tucked away on a leafy street a five-minute walk from the station, is well worth the trip. This community-run venue offers a different cook every day of the week. Not a fine dining experience but very good quality, very reasonably priced, home cooked food. A cosy café with ramshackle furniture that only adds to its charm. It’s also BYOB, which never disappoints. 

To book a table at The Bonnington Café, 11 Vauxhall Grove, London SW8 1TD, call the chef on the day or visit here.

Vantra in Fitzrovia

This small, unassuming café deserves a lot of visitors. Completely vegan and with too many options to fit on your plate, Vantra serves a buffet style selection of glorious hot and cold recipes. At lunchtime, you can either get a take away box, which is a set price, or a plate that you weigh before you tuck in. There is an A La Carte menu in the evenings.

To book a table at Vantra 25-27 Oxford St, London W1D 2DW, call 0207 439 8237 or visit here.

The Gate in Islington & Hammersmith

Not strictly vegan but with plenty of vegetarian options too, The Gate is a long-standing haunt that was established in 1989, offering fine vegetarian dining with sustainably sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The food is inspired by the diverse cultural background of the owners: a blend of Indian and Arabic cuisines with a contemporary twist.

To book a table at The Gate, 370 St John Street, London EC1V 4NN or 51 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9QL, call 020 8748 6932 or visit here.

Black Cat Café in Hackney

This Bohemian vegan eatery in the heart of Hackney has the potential to be pretentious. But the Black Cat Café is anything but. It is cooperatively run by volunteers and the food is 100% vegan and 100% delicious. The menu is ever-changing but features dishes such as smoked tofu burgers and vegan “cheese” and mustard baguettes. Also, a popular destination for weekend brunch, coffee and shakes. A friendly atmosphere at an affordable price.

To book a table at the Black Cat Café, 76 Clarence Rd, London E5 8HB, call 020 8985 7091 or visit here.

Wild Food Café in Covent Garden

Perhaps an obvious choice for anyone who knows vegan cuisine in London, but it rarely disappoints! Tucked away in Neal’s Yard, Wild Food Café is a bright and airy courtyard café serving raw vegan and vegetarian lunch, dinner and desserts. With a focus on plant-based products for healthy living, they also put on raw food cooking classes and retreats. The menu changes each season, so visit soon to avoid missing “The Greatest Burger of All Time”: a vegan take on a Caribbean jerk burger with optional BBQ-pulled jackfruit. Heaven.

For further information about the Wild Food Cafe, 14 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP, visit here.

Hannah Staunton