London’s Vegan Hotspots: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide

London’s Vegan Hotspots: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide

London’s culinary scene has undergone a plant-based revolution, with veganism surging in popularity over the last decade. From fine dining to street food, the city now boasts over 150 fully vegan restaurants and countless vegan-friendly eateries. This guide explores London’s vibrant vegan landscape, breaking down the must-visit spots by neighbourhood.

1. Shoreditch & Hackney: East London’s Vegan Innovators

Creative, edgy, and sustainability-focused

Shoreditch and Hackney are hubs for experimental vegan cuisine, blending global flavours with eco-conscious ethos.

• Mildreds Dalston
  A pioneer since 1988, this iconic spot offers globally inspired dishes like Sri Lankan sweet potato curry and kimchi pancakes. Don’t miss their vegan sticky toffee pudding.
  Address: 1 Dalston Square, E8 3GU | Website: mildreds.co.uk
• Temple of Seitan
  London’s first vegan fried “chicken” joint. Their crispy seitan burgers and loaded fries are cult favourites.
  Address: 10 Morning Lane, E9 6NA | Website: templeofseitan.co.uk
• Unity Diner
  Co-founded by activist Ed Winters (Earthling Ed), this diner serves vegan comfort food like “Toona” melt sandwiches. Profits support animal sanctuaries.
  Address: 60 Wentworth St, E1 7AL | Website: unitydiner.co.uk

Hidden Gem: Hackney Downs Vegan Market (Saturdays) – A rotating line-up of street food stalls, from vegan jerk “chicken” to artisanal cheeses.

2. Camden: Vegan Comfort Food & Rebellion

Bold flavours and punk roots

Camden’s eclectic energy extends to its vegan offerings, with indulgent eats and alternative vibes.

• Cookies & Scream
  A 100% vegan bakery known for “dirty desserts” like peanut butter brownies and deep-fried cookie dough. Gluten-free options available.
  Address: 1st Floor, Camden Market, NW1 8AH | Website: cookiesandscream.com
• The Fields Beneath
  Specialty coffee shop with vegan pastries and savoury toasties. Try the miso-glazed aubergine sandwich.
  Address: 52 Kentish Town Rd, NW1 8ND | Website: thefieldsbeneath.co.uk
• Purezza
  Award-winning vegan pizza chain offering cashew mozzarella and charcoal-crust pizzas. The “Parmigiana Party” is a standout.
  Address: 45-47 Parkway, NW1 7PN | Website: purezza.com

Pro Tip: Visit Camden Market for stalls like Veggie Pret and Club Mexicana, serving vegan tacos and nachos.

3. Soho & Covent Garden: Chic Vegan Dining

Central London’s stylish plant-based scene

Soho and Covent Garden mix high-end vegan dining with quick, trendy bites.

• Gauthier Soho
  Michelin-trained chef Alexis Gauthier’s fully vegan tasting menu features dishes like truffle risotto and beetroot tartare.
  Address: 21 Romilly St, W1D 5AF | Website: gauthiersoho.co.uk
• Neat Burger
  Backed by Lewis Hamilton, this vegan fast-food chain offers smash burgers and “tuna” melts. Eco-friendly packaging aligns with its sustainability mission.
  Address: 4 Princes St, W1B 2LE | Website: neat-burger.com
• FARMACY
  Notting Hill’s sister location (see below) offers plant-based “junk food” like loaded nachos and jackfruit tacos.

Covent Garden Highlight: BY CHLOE – A NYC import with kale Caesar salads and air-baked fries.

4. Brixton & Peckham: South London’s Vegan Soul

Community-driven and globally inspired

South London’s multicultural roots shine in its vegan offerings, from Caribbean to Middle Eastern flavours.

• Ms. Cupcake
  The UK’s first vegan bakery, famous for rainbow cupcakes and salted caramel brownies.
  Address: 214 Brixton Rd, SW9 6AQ | Website: mscupcake.co.uk
• Vegan Yes
  Taiwanese street food spot serving vegan “pork” bao and oyster mushroom skewers.
  Address: 79 Peckham High St, SE15 5RS | Website: veganyes.co.uk
• Brixton Village Market
  Explore stalls like Eat of Eden (Caribbean vegan stews) and Mama’s Jerk (plant-based jerk “chicken”).

5. Notting Hill & West London: Wellness & Wholesome Eats

Health-conscious and Instagram-worthy

Notting Hill blends gourmet vegan dining with wellness trends.

• FARMACY
  A chic spot emphasizing organic, locally sourced ingredients. Try the “Farmacy Burger” with activated charcoal bun.
  Address: 74 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH | Website: farmacylondon.com
• The Gate
  Pioneering plant-based fine dining since 1989. Their aubergine schnitzel and miso black bean stew are classics.
  Address: 51 Queen Caroline St, W6 9QL | Website: thegaterestaurants.com

6. Islington & King’s Cross: Modern Vegan Flavours

Trendy and diverse

• Mallow
  Borough Market’s sister location offers globally inspired small plates, like spiced cauliflower with harissa.
  Address: 1 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY | Website: mallowlondon.co.uk
• The Vurger Co.
  Gourmet vegan burgers and shakes, including the “Auburger” with smoked applewood cheese.
  Address: 19-21 Chapel Market, N1 9EZ | Website: thevurgerco.com

Final Tips for Vegan Explorers

• Seasonal Menus: Many spots, like Gauthier Soho, rotate dishes based on local produce.
• Book Ahead: Popular restaurants (e.g., Farmacy) fill up quickly.
• Markets: Don’t miss Borough Market (Padella’s vegan pasta) or Maltby Street Market.

London’s vegan scene is a testament to the city’s adaptability and creativity. Whether you’re craving comfort food, gourmet plates, or global flavors, every neighbourhood offers a unique taste of plant-based innovation. Bon appétit!