If you’re taking part in Veganuary this year, swap the washing up for something a la carte instead – here’s The Wordrobe’s pick of London’s best plant-based menus and mouthfuls
It’s time to talk about the V word. Research is showing that people are putting plants on their plates more than ever. Veganuary 2023 broke records with more than 700,000 participants* signing up to take part in the initiative – the international charity even announced at the start of last January that one person every 2.4 seconds was signing up for the diet challenge.
If you’re taking part in Veganuary this year, swap the washing up for something a la carte instead – here’s The Wordrobe’s pick of London’s best menus and mouthfuls for Veganuary 2024.
Go gourmet with Galvin at Windows
Ideal for something with an ooh la la edge, Galvin at Windows, the iconic restaurant renowned for its panoramic views of the city skyline from the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, is celebrating Veganuary with the launch of an exclusive, luxury vegan menu.
Available from January 10th, Head Chef Marc Hardiman has meticulously crafted a selection of dishes that showcase the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients for the occasion, with his trademark innovation that continues to keep Galvin at Windows at the forefront of London’s destination dining spots.
The plant-based highlights include a Caramelised chicory tart with pear, date & sherry, Charred sprouting broccoli with almond, menton lemon and chimichurri, Woodland mushrooms with aerated Jerusalem artichoke & perigord truffle and a showstopping Valrhona chocolate & hazelnut rocher with mandarin sorbet. Pass the fork?
When: Available from Wednesday 10th January
Wallet: £100pp.
How: Find out more and make a booking via galvinatwindows.com
Get a taste of winter sun with a Caribbean-inspired menu at Mildreds
One of London’s most popular plant-based restaurants, with five locations across the city (Soho, Covent Garden, Dalston, Kings Cross, and Camden), a meal at Mildreds never goes amiss. In celebration of Veganuary’s return, Mildreds has curated a special Caribbean-inspired menu that offers a selection of standout dishes packed full of traditional spices and flavours from five Caribbean islands – Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Puerto Rico.
Available on weekdays, ‘The Caribbean Edit’ includes a brunch and starter dish, two mains and a dessert. Expect Plantain tostones with sos pwa nwa, lime sour cream and mango chow; Brown stew marinated chick’n skewer served with green seasoning, rice and peas and coconut mango slaw as well as a Trini corn soup made with roast pumpkin and peppers, lime pickled onions, green seasoning, mango glazed bbq corn and mango chow. For those with a sweet tooth, finish the meal with a creamy Coquito tres leche served with pistachio crumb.
Those able to get there pre-11am can indulge in the decadent Churro french toast; a brioche loaf, with spiced rum anglaise, cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. A selection of low and no cocktails have also been created to complement the dishes, including the ‘Caribbean Sunrise’ with blush spiced rum, falernum, pineapple, lime and peychaud’s bitters; and the ‘Sunset Shandy’ with Everleaf forest, chamomile spice infusion and Lucky Saint.
When: Available until 31st January alongside the all-day dining menu. Bookings can be made at mildreds.co.uk.
Where: Various locations across London
Pitstop at Sloane Place for an all-new menu
Sloane Place have launched their flavour-filled, colourful vegan menu with a selection of delicious European-Asian dishes crafted by Executive Chef Bernhard Mayer and Head Chef Maryono Maryono. New highlights include Fried tofu with honey mustard & crispy giant corn Beetroot salad / Belgian endive, Oven-roasted cauliflower & chickpea salad Pomegranate / chia seeds / watercress / lemon-tahini dressing and Aromatic vegetable Tikka Masala Cauliflower / bamboo shoots / courgettes / roasted peppers/ poppadom / steamed Jasmine rice.
The Sloane Club and Sloane Place are committed to responsible decisions in every aspect of their gourmet offerings. Last year, they unveiled a new kitchen that is helping them work towards their sustainability goals while continuing to create an unrivalled dining experience for its members and guests.
Wallet: The vegan menu will be served until 31st January with two courses £29.50 and three courses £34.50.
How: Find out more and make a booking via sloaneclub.co.uk
Where: 52 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP
Enjoy vibrant flavours with mallow’s pan-Asian dishes
With sites in Borough Market and Canary Wharf, mallow will be serving four special pan-Asian dishes for the month, inspired by the colourful world of fireworks. Their innovative Veganuary menu mirrors the excitement and artistry of a spectacular firework display, with every dish created to evoke the same sense of wonder and delight, using a fusion of ingredients, colours and textures.
With two small plates, a big and afters to choose from, enjoy Mango Passion Golgappi with charcoal chaat masala, passion tiger milk; Black Sesame Shiitake Toast with charcoal brioche and kalamansi sawsawan; and a delectable Pumpkin Khao Soi served with fried plantain and pickled greens. To round off the meal, enjoy a light and creamy Ube parfait with pandan coconut anglaise and meringue shard.
Those looking to sip and savour a no-and-low cocktail can sample the ‘Lapsang Michelada’ with Pentire adrift, sweet spice infusion, Lucky Saint, rare tea lapsang souchong; or the ‘Coastal Spritz’ with Pentire aperitif and artisan skinny tonic.
Wallet: Guests can choose individual dishes to enjoy, or can feast on all four for £35.
When: Available daily until 31st January, from 12pm.
How: Bookings can be made at mallowlondon.com
Where: Various locations in London
Stop by for a slice at Purezza Camden
The largest vegan restaurant in the UK, bringing some of the UKs best vegan pizzas to one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, don’t miss out on a slice of plant-based perfection at Purezza.
The group’s London-based restaurant is located in the heart of Camden, just a stone’s throw from the famous Camden Market and Regent’s Canal.
With a menu inspired by Italian cuisine and featuring a wide range of the best vegan pizza, pastas, salads, burgers, and desserts, this popular spot is ideal for something both decadent and delicious. With dough made fresh daily and matured for 48 hours using an organic wholegrain flour, you can’t go wrong with a signature pizza – featuring a range of organic toppings and creative inventions. There’s even a dog-friendly menu for those that want to bring a four-legged friend along.
Where: 45-47 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PN
How: Find out more and make a booking via purezza.co.uk
Get your plant fix with LEON’s new rating system
This January, LEON is harnessing the power of nutrition and gut health by refreshing its Plant Variety system, to display how many varieties of plant are present in LEON dishes. Represented by a new symbol on the menu, it’s a guide that will serve as a compass towards a more diverse and nutrient-dense dish. Guests will also find these dishes easily highlighted on digital kiosks and app too. It’s recommended that guests aim for 30 plant varieties a week to boost their gut health.
New options include Britain’s most loved takeaway, all wrapped up in the Bangin’ Bhaji Wrap (£5.99). This vegan Bangin’ Bhaji Wrap features courgette and pea bhajis, topped with a classic Kachumber, crispy onions, and herby mayo. It’s a flavour explosion in every bite.
Ideal for a more eye-catching lunch, the Rainbow Squash Salad (£7.19 (in) / £5.99 (out) ), a colourful combo of roasted butternut squash, zingy herby mayo, pink kraut, greens, and grains, made with Mediterranean-inspired spices and served with a lemon wedge for that extra zing. Plus, it just so happens to be vegan.
When: LEON’s January Menu launches January 10th at all LEON Restaurants.
How: All dishes will be available for takeaway, click & collect and delivery. Order via the LEON Club app
Where: Various locations
Make room for Miznon’s Magic Mushroom Pita
Miznon, the cult classic Mediterranean street food havens in Soho and Notting Hill, has just the thing to beat those inevitable January blues – a Magic Mushroom Pita.
Throughout January, the Miznon chefs are elevating their signature mushroom pita by adding the superfood Lions Mane into the mix. Known for alleviating mild symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as promoting healthy energy levels and combating fatigue, the Miznon Magic Mushroom Pita V2 is the perfect treat for anyone experience back-to-work jitters and a post-Christmas slump. And, for those participating in Veganuary, replace the sour cream with tahini for the perfect vegan treat.
Ensuring a calm start to the year, Miznon is also introducing London brand Intune Drinks. These all-natural, vegan, sparkling fruit and botanical drinks featuring CBD are designed to enhance focus and may help reduce stress, aid relaxation and sleep. Choose from flavours including Pomegranate & Ginger, Elderflower & Hops and Grapefruit & Mint.
How: Find out more and make a booking via miznon.co.uk
Where: Sites in Soho and Notting Hill
Eat lighter with Lilienblum
East London restaurant, Lilienblum, is set to transform Veganuary into a carnival of vibrant flavours. Whatever your dietary preferences, explore the world of plant-based gastronomy with a range of diverse and joyful dishes.
Vegan-friendly creations include the Eggplant Lines with smoked aubergine and tahini, Leek Sashimi and, from our friends at Miznon, the much-loved whole roasted cauliflower. Finish off with their own special recipe Baklava or vegan Malabi – coconut milk pudding with strawberry perfume.
Pair your Veganuary delights with Lilienblum’s exclusive Dry January hand-crafted sodas, featuring exciting flavours like Apricot & Rose and Mango & Honey. And, if January is dismal enough without forgoing alcohol, ask the Lilienblum bartenders to add a shot of your favourite tipple transforming these sodas into contemporary cocktails.
The Veganuary specials sit alongside an array of delicious fish and meat dishes designed for sharing so whether you’re after a lavish night of culinary theatre, a Mediterranean spread or pitch perfect plant-based delights, head to Lilienblum this January.
How: Find out more and make a booking via lilienblum.co.uk
Where: Lilienblum 80 City Road London, EC1Y 2BJ
Devour the vegan set menu at Decimo
If you’re giving Veganuary a go, there’s no better place for a dose of deliciousness than Decimo. This January Decimo at The Standard, London’s sleek rooftop Spanish and Mexican restaurant, is launching a dedicated vegan set menu. The menu features tempting plant-based sharing dishes such as Marinated red peppers; Sweet potato tacos; Sand carrots; Artichokes with padina lentils and Seasonal sorbet. Think less rabbit food, more riveting dishes.
Wallet: £50pp
How: Find out more and make a booking via decimo.london
Where: 10th Floor, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Head out for lighter mouthfuls with Ochre at The National Gallery
Feeling like Christmas was a little too overindulgent? Following the excess of Christmas, and to mark Veganuary and Dry January, Ochre at The National Gallery will be introducing a dedicated set menu priced at £35 for two courses and £50 for three courses, including a mocktail.
Featuring a starter of Delica Pumpkin Soup with King Oyster mushroom and pine oil, followed by a main course of Roast & Tempura Cauliflower with curry sauce, cashew nut and pickled ginger, and a decadent Valhrona Chocolate Mousse with pear cômpote to finish, this is perfect for a healthier but filling meal. A Non-Pisco Sour with a sage tincture will complete the evening – cheers.
Wallet: £35.00pp.
How: Find out more and make a booking via ochre.london
Where: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Sample plant-based perfection with Ekstedt at The Yard
This January, enjoy a fresh take on vegan dishes at Ekstedt at the Yard, with a focus on open-fire cooking and traditional Nordic techniques by Michelin star chef Niklas Ekstedt.
At Ekstedt at the Yard, guests can embrace Niklas’ interpretation of plant-based cooking in his first restaurant outside of Stockholm, set within the five-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel. In the new vegan offerings, the focus remains on Scandinavian technique and wood fired cooking, married with the finest British produce the seasons have to offer.
New dishes include, a Smoked potato velouté, ember baked salsify, pickled cauliflower topped with English Autumn Truffle and Fire baked cabbage, sea weed sauce, chestnuts, and charcoal cream.
How: Find out more and make a booking via ekstedtattheyard.com
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Dine in the clouds with Bōkan 37
If it’s something fancy you’re after, pull out your finery for this sky high venue. Experience elevated, plant-based fine dining this Veganuary at award-winning restaurant, Bōkan 37. Set amongst the clouds, moments from Canary Wharf, enjoy a decadent seven-course vegan tasting menu, alongside mesmerising panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline.
Created by Executive Chef Robert Manea, and his talented team, the innovative vegan seven-course tasting menu puts the spotlight on fresh, seasonal produce whilst delivering spectacular surroundings.
Indulge in picture-worthy, plant-based perfection from start to finish, with delicious dishes including Delica pumpkin soup, pumpkin seeds and golden croutons; and winter truffle and black trumpet risotto before finishing with a rich blackcurrant, timur pepper and chocolate tart with ice cream.
Where: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP
Wallet: £99pp for seven-courses
How: Find out more and make a booking via bokanlondon.co.uk/restaurant
When: Available Tuesday to Saturday, last orders 9pm.
*statistic sourced from Vegconomist, vegconomist.com
