fatgayvegan

Cupcakes in the capital

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London is famous for many reasons and millions of people travel to the capital for theatre, fashion and historical relevance. Well, now you can add vegan cupcakes to that list as Ms Cupcake finally throws open her doors to the world.

Ms Cupcake vegan bakery in Brixton

If you like vegan sweets, the Ms Cupcake bakery on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton is a dream come to life. The store (opened officially today) is a wonderland of animal-free frosting, sugary sponges and sweet concoctions. I was overwhelmed on entering the store for the first time. Everywhere I looked I was confronted by a staggering amount of temptations. It took me a while to process I was standing in a real, honest-to-goodness vegan bakery. Let the eating begin.

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Something I’m having a hard time resisting

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It is time for a straight up vegan food blog post. Sometimes I love simply describing a delicious meal and nothing more.

222 Veggie Vegan is a glorious restaurant situated in West London. If you want details on their fabulous vegan alcohol menu or their handy location, check my earlier post. This one is just a quick fix for serious vegan foodies.

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Sex without cruelty

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If you wanna get freaky, you don’t want to do it with animal products on your private parts. Do you?

Condoms are probably the last thing on your mind when you think of veganism. Of all the products to be considered for animal ingredients, these safer sex devices don’t often get a second look. The truth of the matter is most big name brands do contain ingredients of non-human animal origin and/or that have been tested on non-consenting creatures.

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Beer is for winners

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Cider has been creeping up my list of loved libations lately, but it is true my heart belongs to beer.

I am often searching high and low to feed my desire for new, vegan beer that has yet to pass my lips. If you see a frenzied, chubby guy frantically picking up beer bottles and putting them down again, don’t be startled. It is probably just your friendly, neighbourhood FGV looking for a vegan certification symbol. It was during one of these recent expeditions at As Nature Intended in Ealing that I discovered two new beers to add to my drinking repertoire.

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Hammersmith and hungry?

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If you find yourself walking the streets of Hammersmith (it happens, yes?) with a rumble in your belly, take the time to visit the good folk of Bushwacker Wholefoods.

Bushwacker Wholefoods in Hammersmith, West London

Bushwacker is a quaint, packed-to-the-rafters convenience store with a difference. This long-standing King Street resident has a focus on Fair Trade and organic fare. Their shelves are liberally stocked with a huge range of products, many of which are suitable for the discerning vegan shopper. From vitamins, hair care and toothpaste to sandwiches, organic soda and vegan ice cream, there is plenty of everything in store to ensure you drop a few Great British pounds during a visit.

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Each ridge and narrow bridge

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I apologise in advance for the money you will be forced to spend after reading this review. The plane tickets, the train bookings and the coach fares will be inevitable.

Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire

Sowerby Bridge is a picturesque village situated approximately halfway between Leeds and Manchester. The market town is nestled alongside the rushing River Calder and is made up of true story book visuals. Cobbled lane ways meet narrow passages amid historical churches, chimneys and shop fronts. Sowerby Bridge is a charming location sure to enchant most. Sold? OK. Well what if I throw in a world class, vegan restaurant?

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Not so amazing

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I’m not usually one for disrespecting meat-free establishments, but neither will I pretend they are all fabulous havens of delectable and mouth-watering food.

Roots and Fruits - could be improved

If you find yourself stranded in Leeds for the day, places to eat vegan food are not easy to come by. If curry is your thing, make haste to Hansa’s and you should be satisfied with most things on offer. Feel like a quick snack or a tummy filler? Out Of This World stocks delicious vegan sandwiches, pizza slices and fudge to meet your needs. But if you are craving uninspired and uncreative dishes that are slightly overpriced, head on down to Roots and Fruits.

I know it would appear to some as slightly counter-productive for a FGV to ctiticise a vegetarian restaurant, but Roots and Fruits doesn’t make the grade in my book.

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Toffee apples delight me

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I am enraptured with cider. Apple and pear varieties will often be found glistening in a glass or bottle close to my lips. It is my drink of choice and I often proclaim that nothing is more delectable than cider. Well guess what? It gets better still for a cider-loving FGV like me.

Toffee Apple cider by Brothers... truly scrumptious.

A while ago, I took you on a brief journey through the wonderful world of Brothers Cider. You probably recall my words of wonder and delight upon discovering their Strawberry and Pear flavours (if you are hazy, check first post here). Well, strap yourself in as cider suddenly gets all sorts of ridiculous with the Toffee Apple variety. Yes, Toffee Apple!

It took monumental willpower and self-assertion to actually take the time to chill this cider before tearing the cap off. I gave the drinks a few hours to cool up in the fridge and Brother was it worth it! This cider is outrageously-tasty.

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Bar none

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I do love a nice bar. Be it candy or other, a bar is a superb way of hitting the hunger where it hurts without ruining your appetite. If that bar can be based around delicious coconut, all the better for a FGV.

Coconut Bar Original by Oskri Organics

A little piece of heaven entered my life recently thanks to a health food company based in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Oskri Organics is a small manufacturer producing goods in their own warehouse. Take a quick browse through their products list and you will find cooking oils, spreads, dried fruit, nuts, granola and much more. The only item from their repertoire that appears to have made it over to the UK is the Coconut Bar Original.

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Vegan ice cream wars go on and on

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It has been a difficult battle and at times I have felt like I can’t go on. The vegan ice cream wars are starting to take a serious toll on me (mostly my waistline), but for the sake of public interest and immense greed I will continue. If only for my dear readers.

Triano cone - as Lisa and Bart said, "Meh".

This is the part that gets confusing. Tofutti is a well-established brand, churning out masses of dairy-free products that are exported all over the planet. I have often enjoyed their vegan ice creams, dessert sandwiches, cheese imitations and even a mini, frozen, vegan cheese pizza. I don’t believe they are the healthiest food choices, but they satisfy in a cholesterol-free and cruelty-free way.

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