Veganuary uncovered

With every new year comes the promise of health, happiness and a general wellbeing makeover. But even those of us with the best intentions can struggle to stick to resolutions, especially in January.

Since its launch in 2014, the idea of Veganuary has gained more participants every year, with this year seeing a record high of more than 50,000 people signing up. Many restaurants all over London have joined the movement by offering vegan menus or going entirely vegan for the month.

Veganuary’s website offers recipes and links to blogs, as well as a vegan starter kit and information on veganism. It also says that a balanced vegan diet is more beneficial than any other, with vegans having lower blood pressure and up to a 60% a smaller chance of getting diseases such as diabetes.

Whatever you reason for going vegan for January, the big question is, how easy is it to find vegan food, and where are the best places to eat?

Luckily, London has a great offering of vegan restaurants, and this month has seen the return of the Hackney Downs vegan market. Hidden on Amhurst Terrace, the market is booming every Saturday, with most stalls selling out before the end of the day. Make sure you get there early so you won’t be disappointed. Squeezed into the lane is a great selection of vendors offering vegan food, beer and products. Some of those include:

Temple of Seitan- mac and cheese with pulled barbecue seitan

Big V London– serving some of London’s best vegan burgers

Young Vegans –pies served with mash, gravy and crispy onions

Hell.Yum! – some of the best cookies we’ve ever tasted

Eat Chay – vegan Vietnamese street food

Vegan Delice – cupcakes and hot donuts

Clarkshaws Brewing – vegan beer and cider

Veggie restaurant Mildreds is offering a vegan option for everyday of January and Arancini Brothers on Old Street has gone fully vegan for the month. Supermarkets have upped their game, with Waitrose, M&S and Sainsburys bringing out new vegan ranges this year. Caffeine lovers can relax too, with coffee shops offering a range of milks in replace of dairy. Big chains such as Costa and Starbucks have introduced coconut milk in the past few months alongside oat, soy and almond.

So whether you decide to go fully vegan for the whole of January, a couple of weeks or even a few days a week, London has a vegan option for every cuisine. Check out some of our favourite vegan eateries around the city.

Black Cat Café in Hackney (reopening next month after a refurb) for burgers, shakes, curries and cakes.

90 Degree Melt in Stepney Green for corn dogs and classic American dishes.

Rasa in Stoke Newington for tasty Indian food.

Tibits on Heddon Street for an amazing buffet of delicious vegan options.

222 Veggie Vegan in Kensington for raw salads and dips.

Ms Cupcake in Brixton for after dinner treats.

 

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