vegan UK

Opportunity for Independent Vegan Businesses

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One of the greatest joys for me as Fat Gay Vegan over the past 16 years has been championing independent vegan businesses.

Whether it has been writing about exciting new products on this blog, organising Hackney Downs Vegan Market, or helping small businesses connect with thousands of customers through supper clubs and events, I have always believed that our independent traders are the heart of the vegan movement.

That is why I am so excited that the return of London Vegan Beer Fest this September 19th in Mile End will feature a dedicated retail tent packed with incredible independent businesses.

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Pride Celebrations at London Vegan Restaurant

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A vegan restaurant can be much more than just a place to eat and Mildreds in Soho is proving this point during Pride month 2026.

Yes, they serve fantastic vegan food. Yes, they have helped shape London’s plant-based dining scene for decades. But they also know the importance of creating spaces where members of the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome, celebrated, and connected.

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Mildreds on Lexington Street, Soho

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Vegan Chicken Stall at Multiple UK Festivals

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Chickenish has been impressing vegans and non-vegans alike since 2021.

Born as a fully plant-based street food brand with a mission to recreate the chicken shop experience without any chicken, they made a big splash on their arrival and immediately built a pretty unstoppable momentum. From the very beginning they went viral, picking up a loyal following who understood what they were trying to do AND who loved the taste.

Often found hanging around vegan and vegan-friendly events in London, in 2026 Chickenish is spreading its wings a little broader.

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A bucket of Chickenish

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Sharing Platter at London Vegan Pub

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There are a lot of wonderful things about living in London as a vegan, but one of my favourites has to be the fact that we have an entirely vegan pub.

The Spread Eagle in Homerton continues to be one of the capital’s true vegan gems, and one of the reasons it stays so special is that the kitchen seemingly never stands still. The menu changes with the seasons, giving regular visitors plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

The new summer menu has just landed with a host of fresh dishes and drinks, but today I want to make a fuss about one particular addition.

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Sharing Platter at The Spread Eagle

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London Vegan Cafe Closes for a Summer Break

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Everyone needs a break. It is good for our physical and mental health to step away from the daily demands of work, especially if you run one of London’s most adored vegan cafes.

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Black Cat on the road

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FGV passes 100k Visitors This Year

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I don’t often stop to celebrate the legacy of the FGV blog itself.

This blog has always been about shining a light on other people. Independent vegan businesses. Animal sanctuaries. Fundraising events. Community gatherings. New products. Restaurant openings. Beer festivals (ahem!).

But today I want to take a moment to celebrate this platform that started everything for me.

So far this year, more than 120,000 individual people have visited fatgayvegan.com.

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Fat Gay Vegan

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London Vegan Bakery Taking a Break

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I was strolling through Old Spitalfields Market yesterday, looking for food with a spot of sugar.

My main aim was to pick up a sweet treat or two from Polka Dot Bakery, the marvellous vegan and gluten-free bakery business usually found in those parts on the weekend.

But the stall was nowhere to be seen… and a little digging online showed that I need to wait until later in the year for its return.

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Polka Dot Bakery

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Half Price Vegan Beer This Weekend

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There are not many vegan restaurant groups in the UK that have changed the game quite like Purezza.

From pioneering plant-based pizza to constantly finding new ways to reward loyal customers with exciting promotions, Purezza continues to prove why it remains one of the country’s most celebrated vegan dining destinations.

This Sunday, the team is serving up another reason to visit with all beers available for half price when you order any main meal.

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Vegan Desi Event in London

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One of London’s most community focused vegan cafés is about to become the setting for an afternoon of food, culture, and community.

Soul Bowl on Lea Bridge Road is hosting a special Desi Vegan Meetup on Sunday 28 June from 1.00pm, bringing together vegans, food lovers, and anyone keen to make new connections in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

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Missing Vegan Meal on China Eastern Airlines

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I have just got back to London after a very long journey with China Eastern and I need to talk about it, partly as a vent and partly as a heads up for other vegan travellers.

The route was Brisbane to Shanghai, a flight of around nine and a half hours, followed by a six hour layover in Shanghai Pudong airport, and then a further fourteen hour flight from Shanghai to London Gatwick. All in all, a properly long haul journey that was tiring and rather gruelling.

Here is a photo of the food I was given in the cabin.

My tray showing no food on China Eastern

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