The shops and the lights look so pretty

Kensington High Street in West London is a shopper’s paradise. Huge department stores coexist alongside snappy boutiques and regular town street stores. If you have money to spend, Kensington High Sreet and its inhabitants will gladly assist you in removing a lot from your wallet.

But it isn’t just clothing and accessories on offer to tempt eager consumers along this famous shopping strip. Vegan foodies will be delighted to learn of a sophisticated eatery serving up 100% plant-based fare. It is called Saf.

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This is your ticket to Freedom

Here is some excellent news to get you over those midweek blues.

Freedom Brewery is a fabulous producer of lager and beer operating out of Staffordshire, UK. They have been supplying drinkers with outstanding beverages since 1995 and all of their products are certified by the Vegan Society as suitable for a vegan diet. A little while ago, I published a short review of their lager and I have been enjoying this drink ever since I put that story out.

Now, here is the really good news…

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“Donuts. Is there anything they can’t do?”

Slip your pleather shoes on, grab your Oyster card and get to Brixton as soon as you can. Vegan baking superstar Ms. Cupcake is now tempting your cruelty-free taste buds with donuts. Get them while they’re hot.

If you recall my last post about Ms. Cupcake, you will already know about the staggering range of vegan cupcakes they produce. The bakery is the first of its kind in London and is fast becoming a favourite destination for their many loyal customers. The cupcakes are certainly delicious enough to warrant a visit, but now Ms. Cupcake offers even more treats to entice in the form of donuts.

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Beneath the trees, where nobody sees

The Palm House at Kew Gardens

London offers visitors and residents a wide array of stunning locations, sights and attractions. If you are looking for an informative, entertaining or fun-packed day out in the capital, the city always has something to please.

I love a good day out at a historical London location and even more so when vegan snacks and drinks are available. I was satisfied on all levels during a recent trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

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Just to make myself more attractive to you

There is such an incredible amount of history and character crammed into London, it is sometimes difficult for a visitor (or a local) to know where to start. Well, I know a place… a place called Bermondsey.

Bermondsey is a true gem in an international city already bursting with (crown) jewels. Situated only walking distance from the heart of the capital, the district enjoys a rich and diverse history encompassing crime, pop culture and royalty. You could probably unearth a story featuring all of these elements at once. Morrissey exploited the darkened underpasses of the suburb in his Last of the Famous International Playboys music video. Tragic reality TV celebrity Jade Goody hailed from Bermondsey and upon her death, the market square was inundated with floral tributes. Musical icon Tommy Steele lived here, as did disgraced ex-gay comedian Michael Barrymore.

Have I convinced you to visit Bermondsey yet? How about if I tell you there is a traditional pub on the river that serves vegan cider and has one of the best river views in London?

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It’s a bout time

I love vegan food. I love vegan beer. I love roller derby. Cram these three things into a fun afternoon in London and I’m a fabulously-happy FGV.

Derby at York Hall in Bethnal Green

A few weekends back, Josh and I went on a little journey to Bethnal Green in order to be part of a fantastic afternoon of roller derby hosted by the London Rockin’ Rollers. As the derby explosion grips the UK, the Rockin’ Rollers are busy carving their own chunk of the pie. In gorgeous York Hall on Old Ford Road, skaters battle it out on a wooden flat track as punters cheer on from the balcony seating or trackside. With vegan bottled beer on sale and a vegetarian eatery doors away, I could be forgiven

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Cupcakes in the capital

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

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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Hammersmith and hungry?

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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Toffee apples delight me

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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