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A growing number of plant-based restaurants and dedicated vegan or vegetarian menus at mainstream venues.

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Comprehensive Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Options in London, United Kingdom

London is one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly cities in the world, offering a wide variety of plant-based dining options, specialty grocery stores, and resources to help you navigate the city’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for ingredients, or exploring local markets, London has something for everyone. Below is a detailed guide to help you make the most of your vegetarian or vegan experience in the city.

1. Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in London

London boasts a thriving plant-based dining scene, with options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Here are some of the most popular spots:

Casual Dining and Cafes

Mildreds (Multiple Locations: Soho, Camden, Dalston, King’s Cross, Covent Garden)
- One of London’s most iconic vegetarian restaurants, Mildreds offers a fully vegetarian menu with many vegan options. Dishes are globally inspired, such as Sri Lankan curries, burgers, and gyoza.
- Cost: £12–£18 for mains.
- Tip: No reservations for smaller groups, so arrive early to avoid waiting.
By Chloe (Covent Garden)
- A trendy vegan fast-casual spot serving comfort food like burgers, mac and cheese, and salads. Their desserts, including vegan cupcakes, are a must-try.
- Cost: £10–£15 for mains.
Farmacy (Notting Hill)
- A chic, health-focused restaurant offering plant-based dishes made with organic ingredients. Popular items include their Earth Bowls and vegan desserts.
- Cost: £15–£20 for mains.

Fine Dining

Gauthier Soho (Soho)
- A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fully vegan tasting menu. The dishes are creative and beautifully presented, making it a great choice for special occasions.
- Cost: £70–£100 for a tasting menu.
The Gate (Multiple Locations: Hammersmith, Islington, Marylebone, St. John’s Wood)
- A long-standing vegetarian restaurant with a focus on innovative, gourmet dishes. Vegan options are clearly marked.
- Cost: £15–£25 for mains.

Street Food and Markets

Camden Market (Camden)
- A hub for street food, with several vegan vendors such as What the Pitta! (vegan döner kebabs) and VBurger (vegan burgers).
- Cost: £8–£12 per meal.
Borough Market (London Bridge)
- While not exclusively vegetarian or vegan, Borough Market has several plant-based stalls, including Club Mexicana (vegan Mexican food) and The Free From Bakehouse (vegan baked goods).
- Cost: £5–£15 per meal.

2. Grocery Stores and Specialty Shops for Vegetarian and Vegan Ingredients

If you prefer to cook at home or need specialty ingredients, London has a wide range of grocery stores and shops catering to plant-based diets.

Mainstream Supermarkets

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons
- These major supermarket chains have extensive vegetarian and vegan product ranges, including plant-based meat alternatives, dairy-free cheeses, and ready meals. Look for their own-brand vegan lines, such as Tesco’s "Plant Chef" or Sainsbury’s "Plant Pioneers."
Waitrose
- A premium supermarket with a wide selection of high-quality vegan and vegetarian products, including organic options.

Specialty Stores

Planet Organic (Multiple Locations)
- A health food store offering organic, vegan, and vegetarian products, including fresh produce, snacks, and supplements.
Whole Foods Market (Kensington and Piccadilly Circus)
- A large selection of plant-based products, including international brands and specialty items.
Vx (King’s Cross)
- A 100% vegan shop and cafe offering groceries, snacks, and baked goods. They also sell vegan clothing and accessories.

Asian and Middle Eastern Stores

London’s diverse population means there are many ethnic grocery stores where you can find plant-based staples like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and spices. Areas like Brick Lane (Indian/Bangladeshi) and Edgware Road (Middle Eastern) are great for exploring these options.

3. Apps and Resources for Finding Vegetarian and Vegan Options

HappyCow
- A global app that lists vegetarian, vegan, and veg-friendly restaurants and stores. It includes reviews, photos, and directions.
- Tip: Use the map feature to find nearby options.
Vegan London
- A website and Instagram account dedicated to vegan dining in London, featuring reviews and recommendations.
Too Good To Go
- An app that helps reduce food waste by offering discounted surplus food from restaurants and cafes. Many participating businesses offer vegan options.
Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat
- Food delivery apps with filters for vegetarian and vegan options. Great for ordering plant-based meals to your accommodation.

4. Typical Costs for Vegetarian and Vegan Meals

Casual Dining: £10–£20 per person.
Fine Dining: £50–£100 per person for a multi-course meal.
Street Food: £5–£12 per meal.
Grocery Shopping: Weekly costs for a vegetarian or vegan diet can range from £30–£60, depending on where you shop and whether you buy organic products.

5. Cultural Norms and Tips for Dining Out

Menu Labelling: Most restaurants in London clearly label vegetarian (V) and vegan (VG) options on their menus. Many also cater to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or nut-free diets.
Flexibility: Even non-vegetarian restaurants are usually accommodating and can modify dishes to make them vegan or vegetarian upon request.
Tipping: It’s customary to tip 10–12.5% at sit-down restaurants if service is not included in the bill. For casual dining or cafes, tipping is optional but appreciated.

6. Local Markets and Events

Vegan Nights (Brick Lane)
- A monthly vegan street food market featuring a variety of vendors, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Broadway Vegan Market (Hackney)
- A weekly market offering vegan street food, baked goods, and sustainable products.
Spitalfields Market (Shoreditch)
- While not exclusively vegan, this market has several plant-based food stalls and is a great place to explore.

7. Tips for Finding Plant-Based Options in London

Explore Diverse Neighborhoods: Areas like Shoreditch, Camden, and Hackney are known for their alternative food scenes and have a high concentration of vegan-friendly establishments.
Ask Locals: Londoners are generally open-minded about dietary preferences and can often recommend great spots.
Check Social Media: Many restaurants and cafes post their menus and specials on Instagram, making it easy to find vegan options.

8. Final Thoughts

London’s vegetarian and vegan scene is diverse, accessible, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for groceries, or exploring local markets, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs. With the help of apps like HappyCow and a little exploration, you’ll quickly discover why London is a top destination for plant-based living.