Mildred´s is now focusing on a 100 per cent plant-based menu.

Mildred´s is now focusing on a 100 per cent plant-based menu.
© photo provided

London’s best vegan restaurants

From fake chicken to gyozas and Michelin star meals, London’s plant-based dining scene is going from strength to strength thanks to these impressive restaurants.

Vegan restaurants have long been a part of the London restaurant scene, but unfortunately, they weren’t quite a dime a dozen – you might have found a vegan pizza shop in the East End or a delicious food stall at Spitalfields, but many vegans struggled to find suitable, not to mention tasty, food options. In the past few years however, vegan eateries have taken off with a vengeance. Where before many restaurants began introducing vegan dishes and menus, now there are few places in London where you won’t be able to find a fully plant-based meal. Chains like Mildred’s have taken veganism mainstream, while Alex Gauthier’s eponymous restaurant proved that even vegan food can be synonymous with fine dining, gaining a prestigious Michelin star. With each passing year the number of vegan restaurants in London grows larger, meaning it can be hard to narrow down the cream of the crop, however these are the restaurants that are consistently excellent.

Mildred’s

Mildred’s was founded more than 30 years ago, and in recent years has expanded to have locations across London from King’s Cross to Dalston. The original branch is located in Soho, and continues to attract a queue of people at lunchtime. The menu is vegetarian-vegan, but they are now focusing on focusing almost entirely on the latter. The 100% plant-based menu includes dishes such as Korean fried chick’n, Sri Lankan kiri hodi and fennel sausage and mash, combining flavours from across Asia and the Middle East.

Aside from their all day menu, they also offer Veganuary specials like char siu mushroom bahn mi, a weekend brunch, breakfast and vegan desserts. Particularly impressive is that their cocktails are also plant based, even the creamy salted caramel appletini and butterscotch espresso martini.

  • Mildred´s
  • Address: 45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN

Mallow

It isn’t a coincidence that another of London’s most successful vegan restaurants was created by Mildred’s, however Mallow is a standalone establishment with a fine dining feel. Mallow is located in the typically meat-centric, busy area of Borough Market which is exactly why it stands out. Their main menu offers delectable courses such as porcini chestnut croquettes, a cannellini apricot burger and rainbow root pavé. They also offer a unique tasting menu, which includes a beetroot soft cheese terrine and a pithivier of mushroom, leek and potato. Dishes are inspired by Indian, Middle Eastern and Japanese ingredients while also creating minimal wastage. Mallow uses hand-picked ingredients from local producers, and even donates excess food to nearby charities, making it an all-round eco-conscious place to eat.

  • Mallow
  • Address: 1 Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Gauthier Soho

Ask anyone about the best vegan restaurant in the capital and there is a high chance that Gauthier will be the first name on their lips. After a successful career as a chef, Alex Gauthier made the controversial decision to turn vegan. Many thought this would never translate into a successful restaurant business, however he quickly proved them wrong.

After deciding to turn Gauthier in Soho fully plant-based in 2019, the restaurant has seen unprecedented success including earning a Michelin star. They offer eight- and ten-course tasting menus which use ingredients such as charcoal, tapioca and lovage.

Farmacy

Farmacy regularly takes the crown for being not only the best vegan restaurant in London, but also often dairy-free, sustainable and free from sugars, additives and chemicals. Located in leafy Westbourne Grove, Farmacy champions all things green, using seasonal ingredients from its own farm and there is quite literally something for everyone. Their extensive a la carte menu features everything from vegan Pad Thai to jackfruit loaded tacos and falafel waffles.

The dessert menu, despite being free from refined sugars, is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth and includes classics like sticky toffee pudding and a brownie sundae. In keeping with the times, they’re currently offering a Dry January drinks menu and a Valentine’s Day menu.

  • Farmacy
  • Address: 74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

Wulf and Lamb

The name may be deceiving and conjure images of a great Sunday roast, but Wulf and Lamb is 100% plant based. The restaurant has locations in Chelsea and Marylebone, and serves simple classics such as chilli ‘non’ carne, green pesto pasta and butternut squash risotto. With its pretty outdoor seating and central locations, it’s a favourite for a weekend breakfast. On the menu in the mornings are American pancakes, avocado toast and breakfast burritos. They also have impressive vegan drink and dessert menus, with the strawberry cheesecake being a particular favourite.

  • Wulf and Lamb
  • Address: 243 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP (Chelsea)
Wulf and Lamb, Chelsea, London
© photo provided
Wulf and Lamb, Chelsea, London
India-Jayne Trainor
India-Jayne Trainor
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