Vegan

Vegan menu one day only

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If you need another convincing reason to come along to London Vegan Beer Fest this Saturday (July 15, 2017), the fact that we have a gorgeous restaurant on site serving ONLY those attending the event should do the trick. No outsiders!

Autumn Yard is the permanent on site restaurant for Hackney Downs Studios and they have agreed to turn 100% vegan for the day of the beer fest as they become one of our three exclusive spaces for the day.

And it’s not just food they will be offering up. They will be hosting an exclusive beer tap takeover by locals 40FT  Brewery, a vegan wine bar, and of course their regular café serving coffee and tea. All vegan and all just for London Vegan Beer Fest attendees!

Let’s break down the info a little into smaller chunks as we explore what is happening inside Autumn Yard this Saturday.

The food menu

  • Chilli Burger, with Slaw & Sweet Potato fries and a beer of your choice 13.95
  • Cheese Burger, with Slaw & Sweet Potato fries and a beer of your choice 13.95
  • Chargrill Butternut Squash, Promegrante, Turmeric & beetroot Hummus. 8.95
  • Baked flat bread bowl with a Tomato, Black Lentil Tabbouleh. 7.95
  • Mixed Colour Quinoa Grain Bowl, with Tender Stem Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Tahini & Soy Dressing 6.95
  • Brownie & Ice Cream 4.95
  • Chocolate Pot 2.95

The Wine Bar

White

  • Il Meridione Grillo, IGT Terre Siciliane Italy 2016
  • False Bay Wild Yeast Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region South Africa 2016
  • Les Mains Noires, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Vallée de l’Agly France 2015
  • Etnico Sauvignon Blanc [organic] Chile 2016
  • K-Naia Verdejo Spain 2015
  • Sepp Grüner Veltliner [organic] Austria 2016

Red

  • Ca’ di Ponti Nero d’Avola, IGT Terre Siciliane Italy 2015
  • Pedrera Monastrell Spain 2015
  • Conviviale Primitivo, IGT Salento Italy 2015
  • Adobe Reserva Malbec, Rapel Valley (organic) Chile 2016
  • Savoir-Faire d’Autrefois Mourvèdre, Pays d’Oc France 2013
  • Amauta Absoluto Tannat Argentina 2016

Rosé

  • Ancora Rosato, Monferrato Chiaretto Italy 2016
  • Circumstance Cape Coral Mourvèdre Rosé (biodynamic) South Africa 2016

Sparkling

  • Durello Spumante Brut ‘Palladiano’ Italy
  • Le Dolci Colline Prosecco Spumante Brut Italy
  • Emiliana Organic Sparkling Wine Chile

The Beer Tap Takeover

  • Larger 4.8% ABV: A hoppy version of the German style Kölsch, but unfiltered. Similar to a lager but larger in flavour. Brewed with a new hop from the States called Lemon Drop.
  • Päle 4.1% ABV: A hoppy American style Pale Ale with the flavour of Summer with a mix of UK and US hops.
  • Street Weiss 5.2% ABV: A hefeweizen with banana and melon notes.
  • Disco Pils 4.8% ABV: Crisp Pale Ale inspired by a German Pils. Brewed with Hüll Melon only, to give it a fruity hoppy aroma.

Wow! All of this goodness is available exclusively for London Vegan Beer Fest so do not show up at Autumn Yard without a ticket this Saturday.

In addition to this glorious sit down restaurant space with wine, beer and cocktails, we also have a giant indoor beer hall powered by Brass Castle Brewery and an outdoor market featuring seven breweries from around the country (including cider!) and multiple vegan street food vendors. You can see the full list of breweries and food vendors here.

You can take time out from all this drinking and eating in our exclusive karaoke parlour.

Access all of this for just £5 plus tiny booking fee if you buy your ticket in advance online.

Click here to book.

If we don’t sell out in advance, tickets are £9 on the door.

You can RSVP to the London Vegan Beer Fest Facebook event page.

Extra special note: on the day after London Vegan Beer Fest, anyone still wearing their event wristband can enjoy 15% off their food bill at Autumn Yard. Perfect recovery value! Don’t take off your wristband and save on hangover lunch.

Visit Autumn Yard online.


Vegan halloumi for the UK

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If I had a pound for every time someone told me they would be vegan except they love halloumi too much, I’d be writing this blog post on a gold plated keyboard.

Well, get ready to see a whole bunch of non-vegans make the switch because Violife is about to launch a vegan halloumi into the UK market.

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Eating fried #vegan halloumi. Made by @violife_foods and available in Sainsbury’s in mid August.

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I was able to snap up a pack of this new cheese from the Violife stand at the recent Just V Show in London where I was told it will be available via Sainsbury’s stores in mid-August.

We have tried frying the cheese in a pan and it was extremely tasty. I have never tasted halloumi made from animal milk in my life so I am unable to tell you how this compares. That said, I would definitely buy this vegan version and can’t wait to try it in a melted cheese sandwich.

How excited are you about vegan halloumi?

London Vegan Beer Fest this Saturday July 15

Sheffield Vegan Beer Fest July 29

Buy tickets now

Get discount at vegan places

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How about saving 10% off your bill at a handful of vegan places around London on Sunday July 16, 2017?

This is a simple little special offer that will have you grinning.

As you know (because I harass you daily about it) London Vegan Beer Fest is taking place this week on Saturday. It’s set to be a beer, cider, wine and street food extravaganza that you will adore.

Read about the brewery and food line up here.

But what about the discount of which I spoke?

A handful of vegan businesses around London are taking part in LVBF Hangover Special the day after London Vegan Beer Fest.

How does it work? On Sunday July 16, 2017 anyone still wearing their London Vegan Beer Fest entry wristband will receive a 10% discount off their bill at the following businesses:

  • Ms Cupcake – the absolutely legendary Brixton bakery is the place to get sweet treats such as cupcakes and tray bakes as you try to get back on track for the week ahead. Follow Ms Cupcake on Instagram.
  • What the Pitta! – is their a better hangover food than a vegan doner kebab? This Shoreditch eatery will be your best friend after a day of drinking. Follow What the Pitta! on Instagram.
  • GreenBay Supermarket – this fabulous vegan grocery store in west London has everything you need to make your own hangover meal including bacon, chocolate and ice cream! Follow GreenBay on Instagram.
  • Picky Wops – just a few minutes walking from GreenBay, this gourmet pizza outlet could possibly be the place that saves you after too much partying. Follow Picky Wops on Instagram.
  • Vx – this old school legendary King’s Cross vegan grocery store, hot food outlet, and boutique has EVERYTHING you need to recover from London Vegan Beer Fest. Get a hot sandwich from the deli, supplies to make your own meal, and a cool t-shirt so you look good as you get refreshed. Follow Vx on Instagram.
  • Black Cat Café – this is one of the finest places to et vegan food in London and just happens to be walking distance from the London Vegan Beer Fest venue. Follow Black Cat on Instagram.
  • Temple of Hackney – the instantly legendary vegan fried chicken shop in Hackney Central is joining the LVBF Hangover Special. Is there anything more perfect for your recovery? Follow Temple of Seitan on Instagram.

Show up, order a bunch of stuff, and shake your wristband at your server for a 10% discount. This is a great way to save a little bit of money while supporting independent vegan businesses. Everyone wins as you recover from your London Vegan Beer Fest hangover.

Yay for vegan savings!

To get a wristband to use on Sunday for discounts, you of course first need come to London Vegan Beer Fest this Saturday.

Click here to buy your tickets now and RSVP to the Facebook event page.

FED by Water still amazing

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I visited vegan Italian restaurant FED by Water for the first time today in over six months and I’m delighted to report back that the food is still as incredible as ever.

Josh and I were blown away the pizza and bread basket. The portions are mammoth and we really struggled to fit it all in… but we did, of course!

It was also a lovely surprise to see the pizza named after me still on the menu.

Follow FED by Water on Instagram and then check out photos from my experience earlier today.

Sitting outside at @fedbywater waiting on some #vegan Italian food! #London

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TFW you see a pizza named after you in a #vegan restaurant. Get into @fedbywater for a taste of Fat Gay Vegan.

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Ridiculously tasty pizza and salad combination at @fedbywater in London. #vegan

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Beer and food line up

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Huge announcement for attendees of London Vegan Beer Fest on July 15, 2017.

Say hello to you brewery line up. It is mammoth.

Moor Beer Co – Bristol’s finest crash landing at our event!

Brass Castle Brewery – the one and only superstar brewery coming out of Yorkshire

Clarkshaws Brewing – get a taste of south London

Three Hills Brewing – small batch brewing out of Northamptonshire

40FT Brewery – getting local with these brewers from Dalston doing a tap takeover in the restaurant

Beerblefish Brewing – north London beer producers with taste big enough for the entire city

Twisted Barrel Ale – handcrafted in the heart of Coventry

Moncada Brewery – west London producers who are seasoned LVBF participants

BumbleBee Cider – vegans without cider is not right so this South Oxfordshire producer is coming on board

Full drinks list to be published in the coming days.

Also, we are not just about beer and cider. We pay as much attention to what you are eating. Look at this fabulous vegan food selection.

Lazy Boy Kitchen – Mac n cheese with bacon bits | chilli cheese fries | mac n cheese spring rolls

Club Mexicana – BBQ pulled jackfruit burritos (GF option) | tofish tacos (GF option) | deep fried cheeze fries

Arancini Brothers – One Tasty Vegan burger | risotto balls (GF)

Young Vegans – Seitan & ale pie | Sweet potato pie (GF) | Curry pie | All day breakfast pie | Peanut butter mud pie brownie (GF)

Battered – Vegan fish | Battered Pie | Battered sausage | Mushy peas | Pickled onion | Pickled gherkins | Tartare sauce

Peanut Butter Bakery – Fried donuts

Vegan Delice – Tray bakes | Cupcakes

Autumn Yard – Sit down restaurant service | Wine bar | Cocktails

This is seriously the vegan party of the year with the drink and food menus to match.

London Vegan Beer Fest has three massive spaces to explore:

  1. Indoor beer hall run by superstar vegan brewery Brass Castle of Yorkshire plus a karaoke parlour ALL DAY!
  2. Outdoor beer market with vegan street food
  3. Indoor sit down restaurant with wine and cocktail bar… plus more beer options

Every single item served on the day is vegan. OF COURSE.

You can buy a cheap early bird ticket now. We have already sold a whole bunch but if you are quick, you can get yours for just £5 plus a small booking fee. Once these are gone, second release tickets are £7 plus fee. If we have any tickets remaining on the day, they will be £9 on the gate.

Book your tickets now!

Don’t hate me if you leave it to the last minute and the event sells out. We do have a capacity and we will likely reach it.

If you use Facebook, take the time to RSVP to the event page and use the invite button to alert your friends and enemies. A cheeky little share on your timeline would also be greatly appreciated.

You can follow Vegan Beer Fest UK accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay updated.

See you at London Vegan Beer Fest!

Extra note: tickets are also selling strongly for the first ever Sheffield Vegan Beer Fest on July 29, 2017. RSVP here and book tickets.

Vegan fried chicken

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Even though I first reported the opening of vegan fried chicken shop Temple of Hackney back at the beginning of the year, I only got to eat with the business for the first time a few days ago.

This isn’t so much a review as it is a love letter.

Temple of Hackney is the food business of my dreams. What they are doing is the definition of groundbreaking and there is nobody on the planet doing what they do to this level.

The menu is outstanding and irresistible.

Crispy chips. Juicy seitan with crunchy coating. Gravy pots. Vegan chicken poppers. Burgers.

Every single item is world class and Temple of Hackney is one of the finest vegan food outlets on the planet. No debate.

Follow them on Instagram and eat with them as soon and as often as you can.

Want to be happy? Get the mac n cheese from @templeofseitan in Hackney. #vegan

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Get a fried #vegan chicken burger from @templeofseitan and your life will improve.

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Vegan BBQ pack for summer

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One of the biggest and most deserved success stories in the vegan business world recently has been Sgaia Vegan Meats.

As I reported a few days ago, this Scotland-based enterprise just secured a coveted listing with Whole Foods Market stores and this meteoric success has all happened in a matter of a few short years.

I’ve popped onto the blog today not to repeat myself, but rather to tell you about a superb summer BBQ pack Sgaia has available to order from their website.

You will all want one of these packs.

The BBQ Bumper Pack has everything you need for your next grilling session. It comes with 4 Aromatico Burgers, 2 packs of Streaky Rashers, 2 Smoked Steaks and, while supplies last, they’re throwing in a free pot of their signature mayo.

Check out the burgers being cooked!

Click here to order the BBQ pack now and follow Sgaia on Instagram.

Vegan cafe in Kent

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There really are quality vegan cafés popping up everywhere, even in seaside towns in Kent.

Say hello to The Wallflower Café in Herne Bay!


This plant-based eatery just around the corner from the town pier must surely be doing more than a few things right because I’ve had multiple messages from Herne Bay locals wanting me to give it a shout out on the blog.

The daily menu looks absolutely packed with delicious and nutritious food, including decadent brownies and muffins as well as solid savoury plates.

If you are in the area this week, you will probably want to book a table for their vegan seasonal tapas pop up dining event. It sounds fabulous and you can check it out on the Facebook event page.

Before we look at some more food, follow The Wallflower Café on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Now the food.

Vegan recipe box hits UK

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Have you often felt as though the only thing missing in your life was a vegan recipe and ingredients box?

Well, you can sleep well tonight because you can now buy one. Like, today!

From today (3rd July, 2017) UK residents can order PlantCurious, the UK’s first exclusively plant-based recipe boxes, directly to their homes.

The boxes, which have been designed to make it easy for people to make delicious wholesome plant-based meals, have been curated by the innovative new plant-based business PlantCurious.

PlantCurious boxes are available to order throughout the UK and first 100 boxes are available at an introductory price of £35.

The first box includes ingredients and recipes to make a Sumurai Miso Ramen, Ruby Vurry and Loaded Sweet Pots.

PlantCurious Co-Founder Angela Gawor adds: “We kept trying recipe boxes and none of them got the the concept of plant-based. We became fed up of receiving recipe cards telling us to just leave out ingredients.”

“One supplier even sent us cheese and yogurt wrapped in sheep’s skin. Plant-based food isn’t about leaving stuff out it’s about embracing all the amazing vegetables out there and making them the centrepiece not the side dish.”

To start with, availability is limited, with 100 boxes available to order from 3rd July online (that’s today!).

Vegan night market and roller disco

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London, events rarely come along like this.

Join me for a massive party this Thursday night (July 6, 2017) from 6pm as Hackney Downs Studios throws open its doors for the annual Open Studios event. This is going to be so much fun.

Hackney Downs Studios is known as the home of Hackney Downs Vegan Market and the upcoming London Vegan Beer Fest, but what a lot of people don’t realise is it is also home to a lot of artists, workshops, stores and artisan producers.

Yes, the studios are real studios!

For one night a year, Hackney Downs Studios lets you get behind the scenes by touring all of the spaces and getting up close and personal with all the artist spaces. You can even get hands on with artists, makers, illustrators, designers, potters, record labels, gin distillers, architects, video makers and more.

Try your hand at live screen printing or get crafty with weaving workshops. There will be roaming theatre performances, live painting, exclusive sample sales, installations and music, food, drinks and dancing.

But what’s in it for vegan food lovers?

Food on the evening comes in the form of a vegan mini night market. Buy and devour food from this wonderful collection of vegan traders:

Need more to entice you down this Thursday?

There is a FREE roller disco taking place inside Hackney Showroom with a DJ and after party going on until midnight. Yes, a freakin’ roller disco that won’t cost you any money and they have skates to use on site!

It’s all sounds too good to be true. Hang out with artists behind the scenes, buy vegan street food, and get disco fever on roller skates. And it’s all for free!

You need to register for a free ticket online here so they know how many people are coming along. You can also RSVP/invite friends on the Facebook event page.

Extra note: Hackney Downs Studios is the site for the 5th annual London Vegan Beer Fest taking place on July 15, 2017. More info online here.