By Hazel Eddleston-Lee
Islington has several thriving high streets with a range of small independent shops and food outlets which sit alongside national retailers. Holloway Road, however, has been neglected while the council invest into Arsenal Football Club.
Holloway Road lacks diversity compared to the rest of the borough, with various unhealthy food outlets and dozens of chicken and chip shops. Most recently, it saw the closure of a large Marks & Spencer’s store, which alongside Waitrose was one of the only shops which boosted the road’s infrastructure.
Although there are still concerns from the local community about the deterioration of Holloway Road, it seems that things may be on the up with a bit of help from the veganism trend – although the coronavirus may force businesses that were starting to thrive back into oblivion.
Luckily, there is a simple invention called The Takeaway.
From Archway down to Highbury Corner, Holloway Road’s vegan options are growing – and most offer food you can take home and eat in the safety of your own kitchen.
Do you fancy grabbing a coffee and cupcake from Cookies and Screams? This cafe is based at 130 Holloway Road and offers not only vegan pastries, cakes and cookies but also savoury dishes. Everything is also gluten-free.
Next door you can find Jake’s Vegan Steaks, based on 102 Holloway Road, where young entrepreneur Jake – who started on food markets has now opened his first takeaway eatery, working alongside the Horatia Pub.
The menu offers all vegan street food, from their sandwiches, including the flagship ‘Philly Cheezesteak’ to loaded fries, salads, brunch specials and even salted caramel chocolate cheesecakes.
Best of all it’s takeaway – so social distancing means you can eat at home.
There hasn’t been even one bad review online, with everyone complimenting the dishes and services “Great for everyone – vegan or not”, “Amazing food” and “One of the most delicious vegan dishes I’ve ever had!”.
We caught up with one of Jake’s customers to find out if the dishes are as tasty as they look. Khanyi Lee, a long-term customer, said: “The Philly Cheeze Steak is so moreish and yummy you would never know its seitan and not beef!”
If street food isn’t your vibe, rest assured there is plenty more to offer, Loving Hut Archway (669 Holloway Road) offering a counter-serve chain with a vegan Asian menu that you can take out. Or if a vegan café offering a range of foods is right up your street, you can pick up a takeaway from Vegan Yes (22 Seven Sisters Road, Keren View (201 Holloway Road) and EZ & Moss (183 Holloway Road).
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