Your Guide to Vegan Dining in London

 
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes.

Welcome to London – one of the world’s most thrilling cities for vegan food! If you’re staying at the Thistle Express London Luton, you’re perfectly placed for a journey into the heart of the capital’s plant-based dining scene. This guide will present you with practical tips and top recommendations for vegan dining, ensuring your experience in the city is both enjoyable and delicious. From quick bites to fine dining, you’ll discover a range of options that cater to every taste and budget.

Table of contents:

What makes vegan food in London unique?

London has made going vegan easy and impressive. Inventive chefs, international flavours, and plenty of options – whether you’re after a quick falafel or a refined tasting menu. London vegan restaurants are part of daily life, and locals know that the best vegan restaurants in London aren’t limited to central postcodes.

Travellers arriving at Luton Hotel often ask us – is it hard to find vegan or plant-based options in the city? Not at all. Every cuisine, from classic British to Chinese, Caribbean, and Italian, has stand-out vegan restaurants London England is proud of. You’ll find meals that are hearty, healthy, or indulgently satisfying, always with a spot that fits your schedule.

Planning your vegan dining adventure from Thistle Express London Luton

Your trip starts at the gateway – Thistle Express London Luton Hotel. We know many visitors want to arrive, drop bags, head out, and experience London without stress. Here are a few practical pointers to streamline your vegan food journey:

  • Book tables in advance for popular spots, especially at weekends. Many venues have online booking through their websites.
  • Use apps like Citymapper and Transport for London’s journey planner for up-to-the-minute train schedules from Luton and around the city.
  • Bring snacks or pack a lunch from the many vegan options at Luton Airport’s food outlets if you’re in a rush.
  • Ask our team for up-to-date recommendations or to organise a taxi if you prefer direct journeys.

Best vegan restaurants in London: Our top recommendations

If you’re searching for the best vegan food in central London and beyond, here’s a curated list inspired by locals’ favourites and trusted guides. From colourful brunches to global comfort food, you’ll find variety and innovation at every turn.

Mildreds

Summary: An iconic name with five locations, Mildreds sets the bar for vegan and vegetarian dining in London. Crowd-pleasing dishes cover everything from inventive brunches to globally influenced mains. Menus change regularly to spotlight the season’s best.

Why visit: Great for groups or solo travellers, always lively with a diverse crowd. Booking ahead is smart, particularly in Soho and Covent Garden.

Details: Check their branches across London – Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, Covent Garden, and Dalston. For menus and opening times, the official Mildreds website always has the latest.

Mallow

Summary: Fresh, sustainable, and nestled in Borough Market, Mallow is Mildreds’ sister and a rising star in London vegan restaurants. Menus feature inventive sharing plates, creative breakfasts, and global flavours.

Why visit: Perfect for those heading to or from the South Bank, especially if you want vegan food in a vibrant setting.

Details: Booking is encouraged; check menus at the Mallow website.

The Spread Eagle

Summary: London’s first 100% vegan pub – a true modern classic. The Spread Eagle delivers British comfort food, with loaded fries, burgers, and hearty plant-based roasts. Come for the pub atmosphere, stay for the feast.

Why visit: Casual, welcoming, and close to Hackney’s nightlife. Not just a food stop – order a local craft pint while you’re there.

Details: Reserve tables and view offerings at the official pub website.

Gauthier Soho

Summary: For those who want to impress clients (or treat themselves), Gauthier Soho is a fine-dining restaurant turned fully vegan, helmed by chef Alexis Gauthier. Classic French cooking techniques meet modern, sustainable menus – expect tasting experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

Why visit: London vegan restaurants often do comfort food, but here you’ll find artful, innovative plates – perfect for a celebration or special meal.

Details: Book early for dinner or tasting menus at the Gauthier Soho site.

Farmacy

Summary: Farmacy combines wholesome, pretty plates with a buzzing Notting Hill setting. Stop by for plant-based brunch, acai bowls, and vegan desserts in an elegant space built for relaxed gatherings.

Why visit: It’s not just about food – try the artisan vegan ice cream or a detox juice while people-watching from the garden terrace.

Details: Head to the Farmacy homepage for bookings and current menu inspiration.

Unity Diner

Summary: Run by noted animal-rights advocates, Unity Diner nails vegan twists on comfort food – think loaded burgers, plant-based “seafood” and colourful diner classics, all in a relaxed, community-driven spot.

Why visit: The profits support animal causes, and there’s a great buzz – ideal for casual eats after exploring Spitalfields and Brick Lane.

Details: Get details and book at the Unity Diner official site.

Vegan Planet

Summary: Vegan Planet stands out as the rare fully vegan Chinese restaurant in London, offering beloved classics – satay skewers, dumplings, “duck” pancakes – transformed for plant-based diners.

Why visit: If you crave authentic Chinese but want all-vegan, this is your spot. Family-friendly and suitable for groups.

Details: Explore menus at Vegan Planet’s page.

Purezza

Summary: Vegan pizza done right – Purezza swaps dairy for their own creamy plant mozzarella on innovative, healthy pizza bases. A must for pizza fans and one of the original vegan pizzerias in the UK.

Why visit: Camden location is easy to reach and perfect for lunch or early dinner between sights.

Details: See options at the Purezza homepage.

Tofu Vegan

Summary: From rich dan dan noodles to crowd-pleasing dumplings, Tofu Vegan brings bold Sichuan flavours with a fully plant-based spin. Consistently praised for flavour and authenticity.

Why visit: East London has plenty of vegan options, but Tofu Vegan stands out for variety and vibrant plates.

Details: Browse their offerings at Tofu Vegan’s site.

Jam Delish

Summary: Caribbean with a twist – Jam Delish in Islington takes traditional island flavours and gives them a vegan overhaul. Standouts include jerk “chicken”, curry “goat”, and plantain mac ‘n’ cheese.

Why visit: A brilliant shout for spicy, inventive vegan food, plus their cocktail menu gets lots of compliments.

Details: See the latest at Jam Delish site.

Club Mexicana

Summary: Club Mexicana specialises in vegan Mexican eats with a cult following. Expect jackfruit tacos, loaded nachos, and frozen margaritas with a difference. Venues in Soho, Shoreditch, and Seven Dials.

Why visit: Fast, fun, and full of unique flavour twists. Terrific for groups and quick bites between shops or museums.

Details: View branches and menus at Club Mexicana website.

Pockets

Summary: Hidden beneath the arches in London Fields, Pockets offers next-level falafel pittas stuffed with salads and zesty sauces. Great for grab-and-go lunch or a picnic.

Why visit: Fresh, unpretentious and unfailingly good. A local legend among London vegan restaurants.

Details: Find info at Pockets homepage.

Tips for exploring vegan dood in central London

  • Book ahead for Gauthier Soho, Farmacy, and other destination venues; walk-ins fill up fast on weekends.
  • Make lunch your main meal if you want a calmer experience – many London vegan restaurants are pleasantly quiet during the early afternoon.
  • Many vegan venues also offer gluten-free, nut-free, and allergen-friendly menus – just ask.
  • If you’re short on time before a meeting or flight, opt for places like Pockets or Club Mexicana for quick counter service.
  • Use loyalty apps or digital menus (many venues have QR codes at tables) for ordering straight from your phone.

How to get from Thistle Express London Luton Hotel to the heart of vegan London

From Thistle Express London Luton, central London’s vegan restaurants are closer than you think:

  • Luton Airport Parkway (a six-minute taxi from the hotel, or a brisk 10-minute walk) has direct trains to St Pancras International. Trains run several times each hour, with fast services taking just under half an hour.
  • From St Pancras, use the Northern, Piccadilly, or Victoria line to reach hotspots in Camden, Soho, and King’s Cross.
  • If you’re heading to Borough Market for Mallow, jump on the Northern Line to London Bridge.
  • The Thameslink line can drop you within walking distance of King’s Cross, Farringdon, and Blackfriars – great for exploring foodie districts.
  • If you have an early meeting or flight, ask us at reception for express travel options to London and Luton Airport.

Business traveller’s corner: Eating well and staying productive

Business travel and healthy eating can go hand in hand – here’s how Thistle Express and London’s vegan scene make it seamless:

  • Pre-order a takeaway box from hotel breakfast or ask our staff for the closest vegan sandwich spot to Luton Hotel.
  • For client meals, places like Gauthier Soho or Mildreds Covent Garden combine professional service with excellent vegan menus.
  • If you need quick meals between meetings, look up Unity Diner in Spitalfields or Pockets in London Fields for consistently fast service.
  • Plan meetings at cafés near King’s Cross or St Pancras, where you’ll find both Wi-Fi and vegan muffins.

Quick picks: Vegan food near major London attractions

Exploring the city’s highlights? Here’s where to refuel with great vegan food in central London:

  • The British Museum: Stop by Club Mexicana in Seven Dials or Mildreds Soho.
  • Camden Market: Try Purezza for vegan pizza or Mildreds Camden.
  • Tower Bridge: Unity Diner in Spitalfields is a short tube ride away.
  • Borough Market: Head directly to Mallow.
  • Regent’s Park: Pockets is perfect for a picnic lunch.
  • Islington shopping and theatre: Jam Delish is steps away.

Whether you’re ticking off vegan restaurants London England can be proud of or need a flexible base for city meetings, Thistle Express London Luton Hotel offers everything you need. From speedy check-ins and comfy beds to practical amenities like breakfast-to-go, we keep your journey smooth from first coffee to late-night return. With flexible travel to London’s dining hotspots and friendly staff as your daily guides, you’ll eat brilliantly – no matter how quick your stay.

Ready to book your central launchpad? Discover how Thistle Express London Luton keeps you connected to the best vegan food, city sights, and seamless travel.

FAQs: Vegan food in London

  • Absolutely. At Luton Hotel and throughout London, vegan options are plentiful. Luton Airport Parkway has vegan snacks for grab-and-go, and central London (less than 40 minutes away by train) is packed with standout vegan restaurants.

  • Most offer gluten-free and allergen-friendly menus. Always let staff know about specific allergies, and check menus ahead—especially at fine-dining venues or for planned business meals.

  • It’s smart to book ahead for in-demand London vegan restaurants like Gauthier Soho, Farmacy, or Mildreds Soho, especially evenings or weekends.

  • The fastest route is by Thameslink train from Luton Airport Parkway to St Pancras International, then via tube or on foot to your chosen venue.

  • For up-to-date citywide events, restaurants, and sightseeing info, turn to trusted sites such as Visit London and Time Out.

  • Staying at Thistle Express London Luton makes early mornings easy with quick check-out and proximity to the station. Morning menus are available at Mallow and Farmacy; confirm your train times and book your table to start your day with ease.

  • Mildreds King’s Cross has a calm, modern vibe and reliable Wi-Fi—ideal for remote work, solo dining, or daytime meetings.