In May I was lucky enough to spend a week in London, it’s always such a thrill to be back there! I spent the week with my sister and her husband, and they treated me to lots of foodie spots, most of which I hadn’t yet been to, all of which are vegan friendly. I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every one, and I’ve popped all the details below so you can visit them too. I’ve also included two food stores to the list, as they are well worth a visit.
Mildreds
A few hours after I landed at Heathrow, we took a stroll from Limehouse to Canary Wharf, and stopped in at Mildred’s on the Wharf for a tasty brunch. This London institution has been a pioneer in plant-based eating and this was a temporary pop-up restaurant, (I believe it has since closed, but they have multiple other locations around the city). I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at their Camden restaurant a few years ago, and on this visit I ordered a fresh and delicious berry compote yoghurt and granola bowl, and a chai latte (which came in a small teapot – fab!). Open from breakfast to dinner – you can expect friendly service and excellent food.
The Yurt Café
This charming café is tucked away in Limehouse, and we stopped there for breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring. More than just a place to eat, Yurt Café serves as a community hub, providing a space for local groups and organisations to meet and work.
There is outside seating available, but we chose a table inside the stretch tent, where colourful artwork and a relaxed atmosphere made it easy to linger over breakfast. The menu is extensive, with plenty of options to see you through from breakfast until dinner.
https://www.rfsk.org.uk/yurt-cafe
Yeotown
Just a few minutes walk from Paddington Station (don’t forget to say hello to Paddington Bear on your way out), Yeotown Paddington is a light, bright and friendly café serving breakfast and brunch. The menu includes everything from eggs, pancakes, granola and French toast (to name just a few) to a selection of tasty smoothies, so there’s something for everyone. The focus is on nourishing, wholesome food, and each dish has been thoughtfully created with this in mind. The menu highlights the benefits of every item, making it easy to choose something that tastes good and fuels your body before heading off again.
Limehouse Library Hotel
Bursting with character, the restaurant at the Limehouse Library Hotel is filled with quirky trinkets and eclectic artwork that will have you peeking into every corner for a closer look. We visited for afternoon tea and were impressed by the range of options available, including a children’s tea as well as gluten-free and vegan offerings. The experience was wonderful, with ornate tea pots and delicate cups arriving alongside tiered stands full of finger sandwiches, fresh scones and bite-sized sweet treats. It was a lovely afternoon out.
https://limehousehotel.com/restaurant/
Mallow
Lunch at Mallow was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my foodie tour. Situated at Borough Market, this plant-based gem created by the Mildred’s team is a must-visit, whether you’re vegan or simple appreciate good food. We were dining as a large group this time, and this gave me an opportunity to admire dishes from across the menu, and what a feast! Every plate that arrived at our table was beautifully presented and packed with flavour. I chose the mushroom gnocchi which was absolutely delicious, but would have happily ordered any of the dishes on our table. The desserts were just as impressive. My dark chocolate tart was rich, decadent and the perfect ending to a memorable meal. If you’re visiting Borough Market, make sure Mallow is on your list.
https://mallowlondon.com/locations/borough-market/
Poolhouse
We popped in to Poolhouse for a bit of fun, and it turned out to be a great addition to our London itinerary. This new Liverpool Street venue puts a fresh spin on the classic game of pool, with themed rooms and an immersive experience that feels far removed from a traditional pool hall. The striking bar area offers a range of food and drinks which you can go and enjoy even if you’re not playing the games. We spent an hour in the Jungle Room putting our skills to the test and enjoying a few mocktails. What I loved best is that you don’t need to be an expert pool player to enjoy yourself. The games are set up in such a way that everyone will have a great time, you’ll have a blast!
BoxHall
If you’re travelling with a group, or simply can’t decide what you’re in the mood for, then Boxhall is a great option. Located in Liverpool Street, this vibrant food hall brings together a diverse selection of restaurants all in one place, so there really is something for everyone. We stopped in after our visit to Poolhouse, and I enjoyed perusing the stalls while deciding what to eat. The concept is simple, you choose your meal from one of the vendors, place your order and wait for your buzzer to let you know that it’s ready to collect. The communal dining area creates a lively atmosphere and it’s an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat between sightseeing stops.
Unity Diner
I was so impressed by our meal at Unity Diner in Spitalfields. We visited for their popular vegan Sunday carvery which offers great value – for a set price you choose one main and then help yourself to as many sides as you’d like from the buffet. I opted for the root vegetable Wellington, and filled my plate with roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, glazed carrots, cheesy leeks and crackling, which I enjoyed with my elderflower lemonade. (There is a full bar available too.) The food was so comforting and flavourful, as a good Sunday roast should be. Combined with the warm, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, Unity Diner is well worth seeking out.
Busaba
After an adrenaline-filled visit to the London Helix, we stopped at Busaba in Stratford for a well-earned lunch. The restaurant was buzzing with diners which is always a good sign, and the lively atmosphere was balanced with a stylish, relaxing setting that offered a welcome pause from the bustle of Stratford. Authentic Thai dishes are served at large communal tables, and Busaba has plenty of options to choose from like noodles, curries, stir fries and much more. I went for a chicken Pad Thai which hit the spot after our busy morning. With generous portion sizes, vibrant flavours and lots to choose from, I can see why it’s a popular choice.
https://www.busaba.com/locations/busaba-westfield-stratford-city
Tian Tian Market
If you enjoy browsing food stores when you travel, then set aside some time for a visit to Tian Tian Market. We stopped at their flagship store in Canary Wharf and I was amazed by the sheer scale of it. Spanning two floors, it houses the largest selection of Asian food, drinks and groceries that I’ve personally ever seen. From snacks and sweets to pantry staples, sauces and frozen foods, there was something new to discover around every corner. I spent ages wandering around the aisles and could have easily stayed longer. I picked up a few novelty snacks to take home for the kids, but the real joy was simply perusing the shelves. With what feels like hundreds of products to browse and locations all over London, this is a fabulous stop for food lovers.
The Fudge Patch
Last but definitely not least was our visit to The Fudge Patch in Greenwich on my last day in London. I got so distracted by all the delicious fudge flavours on display that I completely forgot to take photos! The counter is packed with generous slabs of homemade fudge, all vegan, in an array of tempting flavours. From dark chocolate and salted caramel to lemon, peanut butter, coffee and more, choosing just one proved almost impossible. Thankfully, the friendly staff were more than happy to offer samples, making the decision slightly easier. One of the highlights is being able to watch the fudge being made right in front of you, adding to the experience. Fudge has always been one of my weaknesses and the flavours I tasted were sublime. Needless to say, we didn’t leave empty handed. (The fudge also survived the long haul flight back to South Africa remarkably well.) If you’re exploring Greenwich this sweet little shop is worth a look.
Cupcakes & Couscous 