London vegan news, reviews & events
Veg Bar in Brixton is already known for lovely savoury dishes, but now the South London cafe/restaurant/watering hole is branching out into the world of gourmet vegan desserts.
Check out the stunning treats the kitchen surprised me with during Rock ‘n’ Roll Vegan Brunch yesterday.
Readers take note: my socks were officially blown off by this purchase in the Earl’s Court Tesco last night.
Following the shock of being turned away from the Royal Albert Hall due to Mr Tony Bennett having taken ill, my band of Little Monsters went in search of sweet things to soften the disappointment.
These did not disappoint.
I was stumbling away from Rock ‘n’ Roll Vegan Brunch yesterday when I noticed a new store situated just a few steps down Tulse Hill (five doors away from Veg Bar) in Brixton.
Health and Pastry looked to be a small health food store with some interesting groceries, so I popped in for a quick inspection.
To my complete surprise, I was greeted by the following sight.
Which city has won the Vegan Ice Cream Wars?
According to my buddy Joe, Berlin has just emerged victorious.
Check out what he had to say about this brand new vegan ice cream parlour that has opened up in his Berlin neighbourhood.
I’m in LA.
I bought the following vegan product.
I’m now happier than I was before.
The end.
Extra note: Daiya cheesecakes are also available in Key Lime, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Vegan cake can appear when you least expect it.
I was strolling through the food hall at the Barbican Centre a few evenings back when I was caught unawares by the following sight.
It’s not every day you accidentally stumble across a few slices of chocolate and cherry vegan cake. It feels like even more of a rare feat for this to occur inside one of the most esteemed concert venues in the UK.
Yay for random vegan cake!
What do you need, London? Of course you all answered in unison: more vegan cake options!
If you get down to Brick Lane most Sundays you can make friends with Randi and her impressive vegan food stand called The Friendliest Flour.
The range on offer at the market includes (get ready for a long list):
It’s a tough life as a fat, gay vegan. There are so many people wanting to send me vegan chocolate to sample, it’s a tiresome chore.
When Essy & Bella asked if I would take some of their gourmet, handcrafted vegan chocolate to try, I reluctantly agreed. I’m such a selfless person.
Want the quick, time-saving review? Buy Essy & Bella if you enjoy delicious things going into your mouth.
Now for the part where I go on for a little while.
The sunflower seed & sea salt and peppermint & cacao varieties are irresistible. Made with rice powder, they are a milk free version of a milk chocolate.
The peppermint & cacao was my favourite and I would buy it in a heartbeat. It truly was one of those moments where you open a packet and you can’t stop eating.
I don’t think you will currently find Essy & Bella in shops around the country, but fortunately for you the entire range of vegan chocolate bars is available to buy via their website.
Click here to check out all the flavours, including the ridiculously delicious sounding lime and sea salt. I need that so badly.
You can also follow Essy & Bella on Twitter.
Extra note: Essy & Bella are located in Newcastle where vegan stuff is going wild including this restaurant, this vegan cheese company and even the Vegan Roadshow.
Hotel Chocolat in the UK have actioned a recall of their ‘milk free milk’ products. Here is the main statement from the company as posted on their website:
Clarification on the dietary status of ‘Milk Free Milk’
We are very sorry that we haven’t made it clear enough who can eat our Milk-Free Milk and who can’t. We did take advice (including labelling advice from Trading Standards) before we launched it, but the fact that some misunderstanding exists shows us that we were not clear enough. Please have a look at our comprehensive Q&A. Thanks to dietary groups who have made contact and offered advice, which we are using.
The full Q&A statement about the recall can be seen here.
It is that old argument about calling something dairy free when there is a small possibility of trace elements of milk proteins due to dairy being used in the same factory.
Of course this could be problematic for people with allergies, but Hotel Chocolat want vegans to know there are no dairy ingredients added to this milk free range.
How do you feel about the ‘may contain traces’ labelling? Does it stop you from buying a product?
Do you come here often?
If the answer is yes, you will be familiar with my recurring post category known as Vegan Ice Cream Wars. This is the part of my blog were I risk life and limb to bring you the very best from the frozen dessert frontline.
Put on your standard issue boots. We are going back into battle as stunning vegan ice cream The Nude Spoon launches in central London tomorrow.