“Good Morning Britain” co-host Piers Morgan – now the UK’s most famous meat-free sausage roll-hater – recently promised to go vegan for one whole week if his breakfast show won a National Television Award.
Lucky for Morgan, rival show “This Morning” scooped up the award, leaving him free to face another week without being forced to eat “disgusting” plant-based food (besides the vegan crumpets, rich tea biscuits, marmite on toast, and all the other animal product-free food he eats on a regular basis – without throwing up).
The Vegan Food Scene in London
According to Serena Lee – author of travel guide Vegan London – “The past few years have seen a huge increase in vegan options around the city – not just restaurants, but cafes and street food too.”
“We’re a city packed to the brim with exciting cuisines,” she told LIVEKINDLY. “If you go to Paris as a vegan, you’re likely to eat French food – but in London, you’re just as likely to eat mezze as you are dhal; you can eat fajitas in one cafe and durian ice cream just next door.”
Due to his feelings on food that is marketed as vegan, Morgan will miss out on the many plant-based treats that London has to offer, which is perhaps good news for the rest of us as there will be more to go around. Here are a handful of London’s best.
All the Best Vegan Food in London Piers Morgan Won’t Get to Eat Now
1. Fried Vegan Chicken at Temple of Seitan
If you’re a fan of fried chicken, try Temple of Seitan. “I’ve had friends who couldn’t tell the difference! There’s one branch in Camden and one in Hackney,” says Lee.
2. Mac ‘n’ Cheese at Tell Your Friends
If you’re after somewhere beautiful and relaxed with great food, “Made in Chelsea” stars Lucy and Tiffany Watson’s restaurant Tell Your Friends in Parsons Green is the place. “They have everything from Buddha bowls to mac ‘n’ cheese with nutritional yeast, and a great smoothie list too,” Lee said.
3. Kebabs at What The Pitta
If you fancy indulging in a Döner kebab without the unidentifiable meat, What the Pitta has three London locations in Camden, Shoreditch, and Croydon.
4. Tandoori Chick’n at Mildred’s
If you’re out and about in Soho, drop into Mildred’s for a spot of vegan Tandoori Chicken served with black dahl and roti bread. The menu is packed with vegan options from Wood Roasted Mushroom and Ale Pie to Smoked Tofu with Fennel.
5. Pizza With All the Toppings at Purezza
From a simple Marinara to the Parmigiana Party with vegan mozzarella and crumbled sausages, Purezza in Camden is a pizza lovers dream.
6. ‘Bleeding’ Beyond Burgers at Honest Burgers
Honest Burgers was the first restaurant chain to offer the groundbreaking “bleeding” Beyond Burger from U.S. company Beyond Meat. The chain has multiple locations in London where you can sample the vegan meaty menu item.
7. Banana Blossom Fish & Chips at Sutton and Sons
Last Spring, Sutton and Sons launched a new vegan fish and chip menu. Fast forward to now and they’re operating a fully vegan location in Hackney due to overwhelming demand. Try out a banana blossom-based burger or a vegan prawn cocktail, or even scampi and chips.
8. Doughnuts from Crosstown Doughnuts
Exclusively vegan bakery Crosstown Doughnuts now has three locations across London. Try the Chocolate Truffle or Cinnamon Scroll for some real sweet indulgence. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try Beetroot Lemon-Thyme.
9. Seoul Burgers at Filth
Brand new vegan restaurant Filth is Beckham family-approved. On a recent visit, Victoria and David Instagrammed their experience, with Victoria questioning whether it could actually turn the couple vegan. David had the Korean-inspired Seoul Burger, which he labeled “insane” and “delicious.”
10. Indian Platters at City Spice
If you’re wandering down Brick Lane, maybe looking for some vintage gems, stop in at City Spice, which was the first curry house on the street to introduce a vegan menu. The Shahi Shakari Thali is one of its recommended meals, featuring a thali-style platter with a mix of dishes. According to the restaurant, Shahi Sahakari loosely translates to “the vegan king.”
11. Vegan Chinese Food at Mao Chow
Mao Chow was the first 100 percent vegan Chinese restaurant to open in London. In the summer, it launched new innovative dishes such as sashimi, caviar, and even deviled eggs. If you prefer to stick to what you know, try the pan-fried dumplings or handmade noodles.
Image Credit: Sutton and Sons
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