This year’s Veganuary may be coming to a close, but our love affair with plant-based foods shows no signs of slowing down. The benefits of a vegan diet are many, but are they enough to make you give up meat for good? These East London eateries are proving that veganism isn’t just fashionable – it’s the future.
Remember, if you’re staying with us, we have a range of fresh vegan dishes available on-site at our very own Mr. White’s English Chophouse. Speak to your server to find out more about our daily vegan specials.
"There is a place for all types of menus and the increase in vegan-based dishes reflects what more and more customers now want. The new dishes are high in vegetables and also cereal grains and legumes.” – Marco Pierre White.
Redemption Bar - 320 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9DR
“Amazing food across the whole menu! This place was really beautifully designed, and the full vegan menu hit the spot. Delicious!” – Yelp.com, May 2019
The two women at the helm of ‘the world’s healthiest bar restaurant’ have a motto – spoil yourself without spoiling yourself. Redemption now has three locations in London, none of which serve sugar, dairy or wheat. Behind their bars, you’ll find only soft drinks. However, don’t think for a second that this means the menu is void of flavour – you’d be very wrong. In both substance and style, the dishes at Redemption excel, offering indulgent flavours without any of the usual guilt.
If you’re all about that plant-based lifestyle, why not go one step further by joining the Redemption Cookery Retreat in February? This immersive wellness retreat takes place in Portugal and will focus on a holistic lifestyle, meditation and clean eating, and promises to give you the skills to continue the good work once you’re back home.
Mooshies - 104 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6RL
“Best. Vegan. Burger. Ever.” – TripAdvisor, July 2019
The concept of Vegan Junk Food might seem oxymoronic to some, but this much-loved burger joint on Brick Lane has proved that it can be done - and done well. Since its launch as London’s first vegan burger bar in 2016, Mooshies has built an impressive following of vegans and carnivores alike. The simple menu comprises of just four burgers; Magic Mushroom, What’s Your Beef?, Fillet-Om-Phish, and a limited edition option which changes seasonally.
Mooshies’ burgers taste incredible, but their range of sides might be, arguably, even better. Regulars recommend the nachos, served with BBQ jackfruit, fresh guacamole, cashew-based cheese and jalapenos. If you’re looking for a little extra indulgence, check out Mooshies’ delicious range of vegan desserts and milkshakes.
Genesis - 114 Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6NU
“Popular vegan spot with a very cool interior. Diverse menu offering everything from tacos, to Malaysian and Indian inspired dishes. Burgers, mac and cheese... there's something for everyone.” – Yelp.com, February 2019
Since its ‘genesis’ (sorry) in September 2018, this Instagram-friendly diner has become something of a cult classic among London’s vegan community. The Genesis menu takes inspiration from worldwide cuisines - including Thai, American and Middle Eastern - to take your taste buds on a plant-based journey of street food from around the globe.
Those in the know recommend the tacos – available as a sharing dish or to keep to yourself. Choose from smoked chorizo, fried avocado, jackfruit hoisin or seitan pulled pork. And make sure you try their chocolate milkshake, widely acknowledged as the best vegan milkshake in all of London. BBC Good Food says it tastes like the filling of a Ferrero Rocher. How could you resist?
Unity Diner - 60 Wentworth St, Spitalfields, E1 7AL
“This restaurant is a non-profit with super friendly staff and incredible vegan food. Would recommend to anyone in the area!” - TripAdvisor, December 2019
Unity Diner is a non-profit vegan restaurant and cocktail bar, serving incredible vegan food and positive change for animals and the planet. Founded by vegan activist Earthling Ed in 2018, Unity Diner donates 100% of its profits to animal rights charity Surge, funding projects including a new sanctuary for rescued animals here in the UK. As the neon sign placed prominently on the diner’s wall says, “the future is vegan”.
At Unity, you can do good whilst eating good. The Moving Mountains burger is a real crowd-pleaser, as are the tempura ‘prawnz’ and ‘chikken’ satay starters. Also popular are the loaded fries, which come piled high with three ‘cheezes’, döner kebab, Unity Diner’s signature BBQ sauce, aioli, jalapeño sauce and topped with fresh herbs and crispy onions. For dessert, try the cheesecake. You won’t be disappointed.
Sutton and Sons - 218 Graham Road, Hackney, E8 1BP
“What amazing food, with great varieties based on the traditional fare, served in the East End chippies of a different era.” - TripAdvisor, February 2019
Did you know that Britain has an estimated 10,500 chip shops in the UK? Well, the much-loved national favourite can now be enjoyed by everyone! Sutton and Sons are the very first fish ‘n’ chip shop in London to introduce vegan fish to their menu. How do they do it? The answer is banana blossoms – the purple flower that grows at the end of a banana cluster on the tree, the petals of which are used to mimic the fleshy texture of fish.
The plant-based options don’t end there, with a selection of vegan chippy classics to choose from. From steak & ale pie to fishcakes and scampi. Past customers recommend the vegan gravy and battered sausage.
Temple of Seitan - 5 Morning Lane, Hackney, E9 6NA
“Words cannot describe how good this place is. This is a must visit place when in the UK.” - HappyCow, January 2020
Everyone needs a cheat day - or two. Temple of Seitan hits the spot with their wide selection of heavenly vegan burgers for you to choose from, including a variety of delicious beef and chicken burgers, as well as wraps. Seitan, a versatile vegan protein produced by rinsing the starch from wheat dough, has a naturally bland taste, similar to plain chicken or mushroom, and so creates the perfect base for the folks at the Temple to create mouth-watering flavours of their own.
Among those in the know, Temple of Seitan’s ‘chicken’ wings seem to be a favourite, followed closely by the popcorn bites and mac ‘n cheese. If you’re a fried chicken fiend looking for a vegan alternative, this, my friend, is it.