Seven tasty vegan foodie spots for your London staycation

From mylondon.news/whats-on

From fast food to tempting desserts, there's something for every taste

Vegans and vegetarians know the struggle of finding somewhere affordable to eat with enough plant-based options to satisfy, especially when you’re also trying to please meat-eating friends and family.

However, London is bustling with veggie-friendly restaurants where roasted cauliflower or soup aren’t the default choices, with even some greasy fast-food options available to dispel the notion that a plant-based diet has to be saintly.

London is bustling with veggie-friendly restaurants

Here are seven vegan spots spanning London to try during your city break:

Lele's

Lele's is an independent vegan cafe and bakery full of tempting savoury and sweet treats, and even snacks for dogs.

Best visited in the morning, the cafe serves pancakes topped with coconut yoghurt and fresh fruit, vegan full English breakfasts and French toast that will set you up for a day of exploring.

Lele's also sells vegan cake mixes, if you fancy trying your own hand at making something special.

FIND IT: 50 Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0RN

https://www.leleslondon.com/menu

Redemption

In the heart of Covent Garden, Redemption is an all-vegan bar and restaurant with stylish decor suited for more special occasions.

The bar caters for brunch as well as dinner, with healthy, filling food, as well as an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu.

The venue is on the smaller size, so be sure to book in advance if you have your heart set on a meal here.

FIND IT: 2 Neal's Yard, West End, London, WC2H 9AT

https://www.redemptionbar.co.uk/coventgarden.html

Temple of Seitan

If you're a vegan who really misses the taste of fried chicken, Temple of Seitan specialises in a meat-free alternative that tastes strikingly similar to the real thing.

A casual dining option close to two London shopping and tourism hubs, the chain serves a variety of burgers, “chick'n” meals, and sides at very reasonable prices.

On my visit to the Hackney branch, I had popcorn "chicken" and fries; I'm one of those veggies that doesn't love to eat healthy constantly, and its fake chicken really hit the spot where I had missed the real thing, plus it was filling enough to last me for the whole day.

FIND IT: Hackney: 5 Morning Lane, London, E9 6NA

Camden: 43 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PN

http://templeofseitan.co.uk/

Purezza 

Claiming to be the “largest vegan restaurant in the UK”, Purezza in Camden serves vegan sourdough pizza, with options for a hemp base or gluten-free base.

Although the pizzas are a little more pricey than your average fast-food place, Purezza's vegan cheese tastes delicious, and with over 10 pizza flavours to choose from – plus inventive sides – it's well worth a visit.

I had The One With The Pesto, and its creamy dairy-free cheese went so well with the roasted vegetables and fresh, zingy pesto. If you’re looking for something more substantial, Purezza also has a pizza with pulled BBQ-flavour pieces and a wood-smoked tofu option.

FIND IT: 45-47 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PN

https://purezza.co.uk/

All Nations Vegan House

All Nations Vegan House offers plant-based Caribbean cooking in the heart of Dalston, selling delicious and healthy stews and curries.

The restaurant also serves tempting desserts including chocolate plantain cake and sweet cinnamon ginger cake.

Its Dalston location means this is a good spot for a meal after a hectic day of shopping in nearby Shoreditch.

FIND IT: 8 Sandringham Road, Dalston, E8 2LP

https://allnationsveganhouse.yolasite.com/

The Spread Eagle

London's first completely vegan pub, The Spread Eagle opened in 2018 and aims to source all of its food, drinks and decor sustainably.

As well as comfort food including tarts, burgers and soups, the pub does a full nut roast with all the trimmings.

Families and dogs are welcome, and with Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes nearby, this could be a great stop after a long walk.

FIND IT: 224 Homerton High Street, E9 6AS

https://www.thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk/

Tai Buffet

Who said vegan food had to be healthy? Tai Buffet is an affordable, vegan all-you-can-eat, pan-Asian restaurant for when you're looking to really fill up after a long day.

The food is delicious but simple, so is best for casual dining rather than saved for that special occasion.

Tai Buffet is cash-only, so head to an ATM before eating here.

FIND IT: 86 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8LR

https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/food-drink-news/seven-tasty-vegan-foodie-spots-20730279