London Vegan Events

Traders for the return of Hackney Downs Vegan Market

by

Have you been missing Hackney Downs Vegan Market ever since we wrapped it up earlier this year?

Well, dry your tears because we are coming back in mini form for one night only… and the food line up is set to be legendary.

Thursday July 4, 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the Open Studios celebration at Hackney Downs Studios and as part of their mammoth party they have asked me to return with my favourite traders for the evening.

From 6pm you will be able to feast heartily on the following:

Arancini Brothers will be there with their famous food truck selling their even more famous loaded arancini balls. This is some of the finest food in the city and will be difficult to turn down if you are there on the night.

Bar Dei Baci have built up a huge and loving following of customers and it’s not a surprise why. Their deep fried pizzas are the stuff of dreams.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwOjQXTA0No/

I am so deeply proud of Let’s Do Temaki and the growth they’ve shown since debuting at the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market. Maki rolls and sushi burritos from Temaki are second to none.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByKsbFKJ4SN/

The 100% plant-based cuisine by Oh My Gulay! is spectacular. Filipino recipes done vegan and done better than most food you will ever taste. I promise.

Shakey Shakey is involved in our special return to Hackney Downs and you will be thrilled by their vegan fish and chips.

Vegan Delice was the reigning sugar queen of the original Hackney Downs Vegan Market so it makes sense to have Chanel back for our special night. Expect the usual decadent treats from one of the best vegan bakers on the planet.

What a line up!

If the food isn’t enough to get you down there, certainly all the other fun stuff happening on the night will do it.

The Open Studios event will allow you to meet and network with over 300 inspiring creatives, as you discover their spaces and check out their incredible work. Take a tour of our collaborative spaces Palmspace and Heartspace to meet the makers & artists behind them for a chance to purchase original works of art, craft and design.

Expect exhibitions and talks curated by residents as well as taster classes & workshops, exclusive sample sales and art showcase at Public Gallery. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and dancing at our after party.

In addition, Venetia Falconer will be bringing you an insight into the world of sustainability with an exclusive talk and Q&A at low waster shop Re:Store as part of the Open Studios programme.

Venetia Falconer has long been an advocate of reducing plastic usage and promotes mindful consumption, and has been featured in Vogue as one of the ‘Top Eco Influencers To Follow’.

Find out more at her website and follow Venetia on Instagram.

This is all a lot to take in but the basic fact of the matter is you NEED to be at Hackney Downs Studio on the evening of Thursday July 4, 2019.

You need tickets for this event but tickets are FREE. Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event and register for your free tickets now.

Who’s excited?!

Mauritian vegan supper club in London

by

London. You know you have it real good, right?

And it just got better!

Book your tickets NOW for this sensational vegan pop up event featuring the flavours of Mauritius.

Vegan Mauritian Supper Club is taking place at Black Cat Café in Hackney on Tuesday July 30, 2019 from 7pm.

This is a meal you do not want to miss. Chef Khaleed is ready to feed you some of the finest plant-based cuisine in the capital.

Khaleed says of the night:

In Mauritius, we have a phrase we say ‘La case Mama’ which means Mother’s House. My food will be proper home cooked food and hopefully you will not be leaving hungry. Please feel free to ask for seconds!

The menu? Check it out below:

  • Starters: vegetable samosa and gateaux piment (chilli cakes, crushed split peas) served with a tomato and coriander chutney
  • Mains: tomato curry, butter bean curry, chow chow curry, aubergine and potatoe curry served with rice and ti puri (fried roti)
  • Dessert: tarte bannan (banana tart) served with vegan vanilla ice cream

Black Cat will be selling their drinks at this event.

Click here to book your tickets before they are all gone and be sure to follow Mauritian Vegan Supper Club on Instagram.

Vegan fish masterclass in London

by

Going plant based doesn’t mean you need to miss out on fishy tastes and textures. I’ll show you how to make a decadent smoked carrot lox (hold the salmon), divine seaweed marinades, dinner party standard mushroom scallops, and a battered ‘fish’ alternative to curb any chip shop cravings.

Oliver Bragg, professional chef (formerly at Whole Foods) and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine

Get ready for an incredible vegan fish masterclass, London. Tickets for this event at Made in Hackney on Sunday June 23, 2019 are just not going to last.

The class will include:

  • How to create convincing fishy tastes, textures and appearances such as Mushroom ‘Scallops’
  • The ultimate Smoked Carrot Lox recipe (vegan ‘smoked salmon’)
  • Learn to make creative dishes such as Watermelon Poke and Chickpea Tuna
  • How to make melt-in-your-mouth Battered ‘Fish’ to please even the most ardent fish ‘n’ chips lover
  • Learn presentation skills from a professional to impress your guests
  • A delicious plant based lunch and a take home recipe pack
  • 10% discount on the day in neighbouring wholefood shop, Food for All

Oliver Bragg is a nutritional chef and teacher at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has a strong interest in nutrition and loves to create highly nutritious, beautiful dishes that reflect his passion for seasonality, sustainability and original flavours.

Fee: £84 (£66 Concession) includes a delicious organic plant based lunch

This fee is used to fund the Made in Hackney programme of free courses to vulnerable and low-income community groups. By attending a Made In Hackney masterclass you get a great day of learning AND you’re providing the charity with essential funds to continue their work with vulnerable community groups.

** Concessionary rate available for students, pensioners, unemployed and low waged

Click here to book your spot now and follow Made in Hackney on Instagram.

Vegan festival with a greener approach

by

Veelyfe is set to be a London music festival with a difference.

Not only does Veelyfe feature a fabulous musical line up (including Radio 1 and 4 DJ Claira Hermet, Melody Kane, House of Grae, and Rachael Anson) but it has a big aim of creating a ‘greener’ feel to the traditional festival.

Everything from the UK’s largest solar panelled staging to the eco toilets and biodegradable cups will make this a cleaner and more environmentally festival.

All of the food will be 100% vegan as well. Oh, yes. You read that correctly. ALL of the food is plant-based, and so are the drinks on site.

This new London festival – at the only urban beach location – is looking to change the industry and shine a light on the need for mainstream festivals to think about the environment and be more responsible in their approach.

Veelyfe is taking place in east London on Saturday July 27, 2019.

Click here to read more about Veelyfe and buy tickets.

You can also follow Veelyfe on Instagram.

Ms. Cupcake returns to Venn St

by

Great news!

Legendary London vegan business Ms. Cupcake is returning to the FGV section of Venn Street Market EVERY Saturday!

The Brixton bakery has been serving up sweet treats to the capital for about a decade and is one of the true pioneers of the vegan scene in the UK.

We are simply honoured to have them return as our resident cake and bake trader at our market section in Clapham Common.

To celebrate their return on Saturday June 15, 2019, I am sharing my top 5 picks from what they will be serving.

Cookie Dough Brownie – fudgy chocolate brownie with baked caramel choc chip cookie dough baked on top.
Jam Doughnut Muffin – a doughnut/muffin hybrid. Cut open the cinnamon flavoured dough like sponge to reveal tons of gorgeous sweet jam.
Lemon Blueberry Cookie – New for summer! A giant American-style cookie made with real lemon and plump, juicy blueberries, finished with a lemon sugar glaze.
Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich – Two chewy American-style cookies lightly flavoured with cocoa, sandwiched by a soft cloud of vanilla cream cheese icing.
Ambassador Cupcake – a Ms. Cupcake classic. It’s take on the Ferrero Rocher chocolate with it’s mash-up of chocolate and hazelnut elements.

That is some good eating right there.

Venn Street Market takes place every Saturday between 10am and 4pm. It is a 30 second walk from Clapham Common Underground Station.

You can follow Ms. Cupcake on Instagram.

Sustainability talk in Hackney

by

You all know that Hackney Downs Vegan Market is coming back in mini form for one night only, right?

You can head back to Hackney Downs Studios on Thursday July 4, 2019 for delicious vegan food AND a huge celebration for the Open Studios event.

Read about it here.

But what am I telling you today?

Hackney Downs Studios are excited to announce their collaboration with Re:Store (on site zero waste/sustainable store) and Venetia Falconer as part of their Open Studios event.

Venetia Falconer will be bringing you an insight into the world of sustainability with an exclusive talk and Q&A at Re:Store as part of the Open Studios programme.

Venetia Falconer has long been an advocate of reducing plastic usage and promotes mindful consumption, and has been featured in Vogue as one of the ‘Top Eco Influencers To Follow’.

Find out more at her website and follow Venetia on Instagram.

You need tickets to come along to Open Studios but tickets are FREE so register for your free tickets online here.

Vegan baking masterclass

by

Have you ever wanted to take a vegan baking masterclass?

You are in luck! Get your tickets for this AMAZING cooking class happening at Made in Hackney this Sunday June 9, 2019.

Hosted by Melissa Saint Hill, the masterclass class will include:

  • Essentials of vegan baking and how the main substitutes work
  • Making a delicious showstopper no-bake chocolate tart with seasonal fruit
  • Learn how to increase the nutritional profile of your baked goods with a variety of nutrients
  • Techniques to make scrumptious vegan cakes such as the perfect vegan banana bread
  • Protein-rich bites and bars to up your energy levels during the day
  • A delicious plant-based lunch featuring a seasonal galette and take-home recipe pack
  • 10% discount on the day in neighbouring wholefood shop, Food for All

Melissa Saint Hill is a registered Associate Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and Clinical Research Scientist, with interests in type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic health and the gut microbiome. Having a natural creative flair, as well as an academic background, Melissa is passionate about teaching and inspiring people to cook, bake and eat healthily, without compromising on taste. Melissa has a keen interest in presenting food to ensure it looks as good as it tastes and smells, which has led to food styling and photography becoming solid passions.

Fee: £84 (£66 Concession) inclusive of VAT, includes a delicious organic plant based lunch. Click here to book your ticket.

This fee might seem high but is used to fund the Made in Hackney programme of free courses to vulnerable and low-income community groups. By attending a Made In Hackney masterclass you get a great day of learning AND you’re providing the charity with essential funds for them to continue their work with vulnerable community groups.

Follow Made in Hackney on Instagram.

Vegan food and pop music

by

I reported a few days ago that I’ve curated a vegan food area for two MASSIVE London music festivals next month.

You can eat your fill AND dance your cares away at the pop extravaganza that is Mighty Hoopla on Saturday June 8 and the jazz, funk, and soul explosion Cross The Tracks on Sunday June 9, 2019.

The vegan food line up is SENSATIONAL and you can read all about it online here. You can party along to some of the best music on the planet and never run out of vegan food choices.

It sounds like heaven and we have some of the finest food makers in the biz.

To celebrate my love of pop music and the inclusion of the FGV section at both events, I’ve curated a special Spotify playlist featuring my favourite songs by artists on the Mighty Hoopla line up.

You all know I’m a complete pop fanatic, right?

Have fun listening and be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out!

Mighty Hoopla online. Cross The Tracks online.

Hackney Downs Vegan Market is BACK

by

Put this date in your calendar because you are definitely going to want to be a part of this fab event.

To help Hackney Downs Studios celebrate their annual Open Studios event on July 4, I am thrilled to announce the return of Hackney Downs Vegan Market for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Eat Work Art are incredibly excited to announce their 10th anniversary Open Studios Series 2019, a celebration of 10 years of Eat Work Art across Netil House, Hackney Downs Studios and Old Paradise Yard.

The Eat Work Art Open Studios event at Hackney Downs Studios is taking place on Thursday July 4, 2019 from 6pm.

This year, Eat Work Art celebrates a decade of transforming under-appreciated buildings into vibrant, creative communities. Hackney Downs Studios was the second site to be developed, back in 2011, and since then they have attracted thousands of people to their annual Open Studios events, with the public eager to witness the magic that surrounds their catalytic home.

As you know, Hackney Downs Studios was also home to the legendary and game-changing Hackney Downs Vegan Market so it felt right that we should be back on site for this momentous celebration.

Hackney Downs Vegan Market will be back with half a dozen of the very best vegan street food traders in the capital.

We are going back to where it all began!

Open Studios will allow you to meet and network with over 300 inspiring creatives, as you discover their spaces and check out their incredible work. Take a tour of our collaborative spaces Palmspace and Heartspace to meet the makers & artists behind them for a chance to purchase original works of art, craft and design.

Expect exhibitions and talks curated by residents as well as taster classes & workshops, exclusive sample sales and art showcase at Public Gallery. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and dancing at our after party.

Not only will you be able to dine at our vegan market curated by Fat Gay Vegan (that’s me!) but you will also be able to explore on-site zero waste emporium Re:Store for environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced goodies.

Doesn’t this all sound fabulous?!

Due to the overwhelming demand for this event, free tickets need to be booked in advance. Yes, free tickets!

Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event and book your free tickets. Don’t just RSVP.

Be a part of this very special evening.

Extra note: stay tuned for trader announcements.

Support vegan business attacked by trolls

by

You have probably seen the videos and headlines doing the rounds about the ‘protesters’ showing up outside vegan events and restaurants to eat raw meat.

They most infamously targeted VegfestUK Brighton by trying to distress attendees at the entrance. Their whole routine is to chew on dead animals in order to upset vegans. Their actions are grotesque but weirdly counterproductive as many non-vegans are equally repulsed and therefore engaged in thinking about animal cruelty.

Essential Vegan Cafe in Shoreditch, London was recently targeted by these anti-vegan trolls so I’ve created a Facebook event in order to unite the vegan community in an act of support for the business.

PLEDGE TO VISIT Essential Vegan Café AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE AUGUST 31, 2019

These trolls have been attempting to disrupt vegan businesses by chewing on raw animal carcasses and saying provocative statements about vegans being unhealthy and mentally ill.

During April 2019, these antagonists entered the Essential Vegan Café in Shoreditch. Some of them were carrying and chewing on animal bodies. If you wish to see the full video filmed and shared by the anti-vegan trolls, you can visit YouTube. It is graphic.

Following on from the invasion of the café, the trolls and their supporters waged a campaign of intimidation and slander against the café including leaving fake negative reviews online and prank calling the premises.

This is our chance to fight back against these absurd and harmful attacks. We are pledging to come together as a community of kind people in order to help Essential Vegan Café thrive and prosper in the aftermath of this attack on their business.

By RSVPing to this Facebook event, you are promising to visit and eat with Essential Vegan Café at least once before the end of August 2019.

By working together as a collective, we are ensuring the financial security of this unique and special vegan business. We will redress any damage done by these trolls. We will make the café an even stronger and beloved space than it already is.

RSVP now to pledge to visit Essential Vegan. Use the ‘invite’ function to tell all your friends to join the fight. Share the Facebook event far and wide. If you don’t use Facebook, share this blog post and visit the café anyway.

And be sure to post all your gorgeous food photos in the Facebook event when you do visit!

You can follow Essential Vegan online at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.