Veggie and Vegan Eats: North East London

By Leanne Powell

Veganuary, Vebruary, Ve-march.. Looks like ‘veganism’ works all year round. It was recorded that over 400,000 people signed up for Veganuary this year. With many more encouraged to take part with the likes of fast food chains; KFC, Subway, McDonalds and front-runner Greggs, who started the movement with its vegan sausage roll in 2019. So check out four vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in North London.

Lele’s

Fancy a quick and delicious stop-off? Then pop into Lele’s. The dog-friendly café based on Lower Clapton Road in Hackney has a variety of colourful vegan plates to offer. Passionate about food and coffee, the cafe offers hot drinks ranging from £1-£3+.

From full English breakfast to pancakes to lunch, there’s something for everyone. If you have a sweet tooth grab an acai bowl packed with berries, almond milk, chia seeds, granola and more.

Prices range from £4-£10 for a bite of lunch but bring your pooch along because they have a dog menu for furry friends.

And if you’re interested in spending time with the besties, book yourself in for afternoon tea at Lele’s, held one Sunday per month.

Customer, Sophie Thomas, 27 said: “Most people think that vegan food lacks flavour but it actually doesn’t. I’m not vegan but I always come to Lele’s for a proper lunch.

“They have so much variety and the food you can find in another restaurant, but vegan. I also come here for the cake and coffee, it tastes like heaven.”

Lele’s for vegan eats: 50 Lower Clapton Road, E50RN, London

Mother Works

Based in Hackney Wick is organic plant-based restaurant, Mother. Their philosophy is to save the planet one meal at a time by giving out recyclable takeaway packaging, having zero waste storage inside the shop and serving organic products.

They have an all-day breakfast menu and a lunch menu ranging from £5.50-£7.50, and a different menu on weekdays to weekends.

Grab yourself a salad, sandwich or soup of the day or get yourself an ‘eggless egg’ made with scrambled chickpeas on the weekday, along with a wide range of smoothies and juices to get in your 5-a-day.

Frederika Pinkerova, 25 said: “You can get vegan and vegetarian options everywhere now, before it was very limited which was annoying for me who has been a vegan for a long time.

“Now I can go anywhere. But I love coming to Mother, especially in the summer where you can sit outside and enjoy your lunch and then go for a walk along the canal.”

For plant-based eats: 1, Canalside Here East Estate, London E20 3BS

Mildred’s

With a mix of the two, Mildred’s serves both vegan and vegetarian options. With four eateries in London, you have plenty of options when it comes to what’s on the menu. You have the option of meat free burgers, curries and kebabs at this hotspot.

Bursting with flavour and colour, mains come in at around £8 for a burger and £12 for a main meal. Whilst you’re there finish off with a dessert or a cocktail too!

For vegan and vegetarian eats: restaurants are based in Soho, Camden, Kings Cross and Dalston

Loving Hut

Fancy vegan Chinese food? Loving Hut in Archway serves freshly prepared Asian courses to your table. Get stuck in to veggie beef, chicken and a side of noodles and rice. Served separately, each plate comes under £10.

Onyx Bartolo, 22, a pescatarian who lives in Archway said: “There are many places that do veggie options but maybe there could be more restaurants that specialise in vegetarian only. But Loving Hut is amazing with lots of variation, good prices and an amazing service.”

Loving Hut is a chain around the UK but has one based right here in North London.

For a veggie Asian eats: 669 Holloway Rd, Upper Holloway, London N19 5SE