There’s a certain kind of heartbreak that comes with losing a beloved vegan business.
You don’t just miss the food, you miss the people, the atmosphere, the memories. I’ve been around the vegan scene in London for long enough to have seen some absolute legends close up shop, and today I’m reflecting on five of them that really left their mark.
Read more below.
Ms Cupcake – Brixton
An icon. An institution. A sugar-fuelled revolution that changed everything. Long before every high street had a vegan cupcake, there was Ms Cupcake, tucked inside Brixton with her unapologetically sweet empire. She was more than just a bakery. This was one of the first world-famous vegan businesses. She put London on the map for plant-based indulgence. I was lucky to call her a friend and even luckier that she let us host the London Vegan Potluck in the arcade outside her shop. The day those doors closed, something shifted in the vegan food universe. Ms Cupcake, we love you forever.
Vx – Kings Cross
Part boutique, part chaotic vegan dreamland, Vx was the place we all went when we wanted the things no one else had. If you read about a vegan product on Tumblr or saw it in a niche Facebook group, chances are Vx had it first. Walking into that shop felt like sneaking behind the curtain into some secret plant-based wonderland. This place was crucial in the early days when finding vegan cheese that didn’t taste like sadness was basically impossible. Vx made us feel seen.
Dough Society – Hackney
Gone too soon. Dough Society arrived on the scene with a bang. Towering all-vegan doughnuts, dreamy coffee, and the sort of vibe that made you want to stay for hours. They traded at my events for a while and it felt like such a win when they opened a permanent home. But just as suddenly as they arrived, they were gone. I still think about those doughnuts and wonder what could have been.
Arancini Brothers – various locations
I still can’t quite believe Arancini Brothers are no longer with us. They did something not many managed to pull off: they created a mini-chain that felt independent and exciting. They weren’t just vegan-friendly. They went all in. Their arancini were golden miracles and yes, they even named a burger after me. Hopefully that wasn’t the beginning of the end! Every now and then I walk past one of their old locations and feel a pang of longing.
Vegan Delice – Hackney Bridge (and everywhere else)
Vegan Delice was a one-person powerhouse with a loyal following and the kind of cakes that made you question everything you thought you knew about plant-based baking. They traded with me at every market and event I ran. Whether it was a tiny pop-up or a big bash, Vegan Delice was there with flawless cupcakes, cookies and traybakes. The final bakery setup at Hackney Bridge had such promise, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m grateful for every single bake.
There’s no denying it’s a tough time for small vegan businesses. Running a food company is relentless at the best of times, and these are not the best of times. It can feel like a losing battle, but we have to keep showing up, supporting, shouting about our faves and keeping them alive in whatever ways we can. Every sandwich, slice of cake, and scoop of ice cream from an indie vegan spot matters.
Which places do you miss the most? Leave a comment and tell me what should have made this list. Let’s remember them, celebrate them, and keep fighting for the ones still here.
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Anyone remember Red Veg on Dean street? What a game changer burger spot that was!
Yes they were incredible. I think the burgers there would still stand up today! The hickory smoked one was my go to….
Vegan Delice still exists as Cake Cult London! No physical premises atm but you can still order the best Vegan Bakewell ever (amongst other things) from the wonderful Chanel.
Other than the fact that the premises were taken over by the wonderful WAVE, I will never get over the demise of Dough Society. They just disappeared. The custard and jam doughnuts remain the best I have ever had.
I didn’t know Chanel was still trading after the close of the bakery. Thanks for the heads up, Christopher! https://www.instagram.com/cakecultlondon