London vegan news, reviews & events
You know I love sharing stories of plant-based goodness, and today I’ve got a real treat for you.
Pop legend, vocal powerhouse, and all-round icon Leona Lewis has taken her love for animals and the planet to a whole new level by opening not one, but two vegan coffee shops in the Los Angeles area.
Read more below.
There are few things I love more than planning imaginary trips to places I can’t afford.
You know the vibe. One browser tab open to a budget spreadsheet with minus numbers, another tab open to an article about the best vegan pizza in Naples.
So instead of pretending I’ve been everywhere and know it all, here’s my list of 10 cities around the world I would visit as a vegan… if my bank account didn’t look like a horror film.
Please read below for the full fantasy holiday rundown.
I’ve just realised something both hilarious and heartwarming.
My first ever Instagram post was made all the way back on 27 May, 2013. That means I have been faffing about on the app for nearly 12 years. A dozen years of food pics, community updates, bad choices, and thankfully not too many selfies.
But here is the twist. My blog actually started in December 2010. That is two and a half years of vegan ramblings online before I ever even thought to open the Instagram app. Why did it take me so long?
Keep reading to see the extremely average photo that started it all.
Vegan travellers, rejoice.
If you have ever dreamed of staying somewhere that truly gets you, I have just the place. It is plant-based paradise by the sea, bursting with personality, run by passionate people who have been vegan for decades, and has some delightful surprises waiting inside.
Read the full story below!
Imagine waking up surrounded by the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales next to a babbling stream, knowing that every single thing in your hotel is 100% plant-based.
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s a reality at Beck Hall, an entirely vegan hotel, bar, and restaurant tucked away in the charming village of Malham, Skipton.
I recently took a trip to the stunning island of Gran Canaria, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Part of the Canary Islands archipelago, this sun-soaked spot offers breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains and lush countryside to vibrant cities buzzing with life. I had an absolute blast exploring everything the island had to offer, but what truly surprised me was the impressive number of vegan dining options scattered throughout Gran Canaria.
Who knew plant-based goodness could be found so easily in this island paradise?
From a cozy bakery with mouthwatering breads to a seaside restaurant dishing up creative vegan tapas, the island’s plant-based scene is thriving. Whether I was wandering through the city streets or soaking up the natural beauty of the countryside, I never had to look far for a delicious cruelty-free meal.
I’ve put together some Instagram Reels showcasing my vegan highlights from the trip. Check them out below and start planning your own Gran Canaria adventure!
Two entrepreneurs from Swansea have joined forces to open Swansea’s first 100% plant-based coffee shop.
Ground Plant Based Coffee, based on Francis Street in Brynmill, is a joint project between three times national Stand-Up-Paddleboard Champion, Matt Barker-Smith and Helen Wilson, founder of Womankind Yoga, who runs Europe’s largest Beach Yoga Class on Swansea Bay.
Matt and Helen found common ground in a passion for paddle boarding, the environment, better health and plant-based food which led them to make the commitment to create a new coffee bar in Swansea, where oat milk is served as standard.
Ground Plant Based Coffee has also committed to not selling any products in plastic, serving drinks using 100% biodegradable cups and lids.
All the food is made by hand by Helen, in her home kitchen in Craig Cefn Parc, near Clydach.
The takeaway only coffee bar is based within The Sup Hut, on Francis Street.
Matt says, “We wanted to open a business that represented all the things that are important to us, protecting the planet and encouraging people to lower their carbon footprint through food and drink choices. We have strived to do this with great barista coffee and sweet and savoury bites to eat, made only from plants.”
“The popularity of people taking up SUP, has led to a greater understanding of how important our oceans and our responsibility to the eco system that we take so much fore granted – which goes hand in hand with an increasing awareness that the impact of our diet plays on our personal carbon emissions and the future of our marine life and environment.”
Helen, who opened the doors also in celebration of her 40th birthday, says: “We have had a fantastic welcome from the local community and businesses and have been delighted at people’s reception to a coffee bar that serves only plant milks.”
Helen has worked in the vegan industry for 14 years as a professional animal rights campaigner, educator, consultant and chef. She has been following a vegan diet for 14 years and gave up meat when she was 10.
You can visit Ground Plant Based Coffee online and be sure to follow the cafe on Instagram and Facebook.
Didn’t that year and a bit just fly by?
When I think back to the beginning of 2020, I remember so much to be excited about… not least the vegan cruise I was organising to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fat Gay Vegan.
Cabins were being booked and special guests were being organised. I was busy creating a list of vegan places to visit during each of our stops. I met with out head chef and carried out tastings.
It was my dream trip to mark my first decade as FGV.
But then reality hit. Hard.
You don’t need a recount of the past year as I’m sure you are as acutely aware of what went down as I am. The basic facts relating to the cruise are that it was cancelled and I knew I wanted to bring it back as soon as possible.
In celebration of the world rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the past year, and me marking the 11th year of being Fat Gay Vegan, please join me as we set sail for an end of the year celebration like no other.
Let’s cruise! We really deserve it this time.
Commencing in historic Nuremburg on December 20, 2021, our unforgettable week-long celebration takes in picturesque towns and cities scattered along the beloved Danube including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and the World UNESCO Heritage Wachau Valley (Durnstein, Melk, Linz, and Passau).
Did I mention this cruise will be 100% vegan. All food is completely plant-based and we take over the entire ship.
This unforgettable trip on the Danube has been personally curated by me, FGV, and will include:
This journey with Vegan Culinary Cruises and Fat Gay Vegan along the Danube is going to be more than just a cruise. It is set to be an unforgettable celebration of everything vegan. Think of it as your very own vegan festival on water.
The cruise will finish in breathtaking Budapest on December 27, 2021 which will give you enough time to travel home for New Year’s Eve or choose to stay a few extra days and ring in the New Year in style.
If this sounds like a wonderful way to get back into the swing of vegan travel and celebrate a brighter future, please click here to read more about the cruise and to book your spot.
Of course, you can sign up now with no financial obligation until the cruise is deemed completely safe and it has been confirmed.
EXTRA NOTE
I have also curated an extra special USA National Parks land tour for 2022 in conjunction with VCC.
Our Vegan Desert Adventure is open for bookings (which are already rolling in!) and I am extra excited for this trip as it takes in some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet.
This is hotel based and we take coaches for day trips including the Grand Canyon. Maybe this is for you if ships are not your thing? Or perhaps you want to do both trips? I’ll be on both, so let’s hang out!
Click here to discover more about the Vegan Desert Adventure 2022.
This is a HUGE moment for me. Having to commit to undertaking these adventures after such an uncertain time in history takes a lot of belief and optimism.
Thankfully, I am working with wonderful partners in Vegan Culinary Cruises and we are fortunate to be in a position to take provisional bookings on these trips with no deposit needed.
We will only request deposits and bookings when the departures are deemed safe and secure. We won’t ask you to confirm until we have confirmed. You can dream now, pay later. We all need something to look forward to after the year we’ve had.
Help me celebrate and let’s see the world in vegan style.
Visit the Vegan Culinary Cruises website now.
Just dropping by to share some fun news with you all.
I was the guest on the latest episode of Two Vs & A Pod podcast!
It was a great chat that left me longing for future travels and food adventures. I can’t wait until I can get back on the road.
Here is the overview of the episode:
Join Issy and Ben this week for all things Travel! Earlier this week it was announced that we should be able to go and visit some of our favourite countries this summer, and for some of you it might be your first time going abroad as a vegan. Issy and Ben share their travel stories and top tips for eating abroad. They’re also joined a real travel expert; Sean O’Callaghan (AKA @FatGayVegan) to discuss his vegan cruises and vast experience around the world as a vegan.
Listen to the episode online here!
Imagine opening a vegan store and then the world economy… well, the entire world itself, goes into shutdown.
Iwtopia in Wales did just that and they are still here to tell the tale.
They are survivors.
Sue from Iwtopia reached out to me from her independent business in Aberystwyth to let me know they are still hanging in there. I was so bowled over, I just had to share with you all.
Iwtopia is a vegan shop and deli, meaning you can stock up on all your essentials AND treat yourself to some gorgeous-looking vegan treats.
Head on over to the Iwtopia Instagram account to see photos of all the fab stuff Sue and the team are serving up.
If Facebook is more your speed, be sure to follow the shop to stay updated and be inspired.
If Aberystwyth is home for you (or nearby), you can even shop online for delivery. Head on over to the Iwtopia website to find out opening times and delivery details.
You can see the exact location of Iwtopia thanks to Google Maps.