Vegan

The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival

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This is some enjoyable news, indeed. Congratulations to Leeds on welcoming the first ever Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival.

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After quickly browsing the event website, it looks like it is going to be a solid show. The organisers have promised 100+ stalls, cooking demos, food samples, informative talks and more. It is all happening on May 10, 2014 right in the heart of Leeds city centre.

There is a general call out for presenters, stall holders, businesses and volunteers so do get involved if you would like to make The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival and event to remember.

Anyone planning on attending?

Check out the website for full details

Follow the festival on Twitter for updates

Like the festival on Facebook

London Vegan Breakfast Club

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**MAJOR UPDATE**

I wanted to tell you that all attendees at London Vegan Breakfast Club will receive a 10% off voucher to be used on the day in nearby vegan boutique Vx. Follow Vx on Twitter.

Also, attendees will be served Mirabilia Organic Olive Leaf Tea and will get a free sample pack to take home. Follow Mirabilia on Twitter.

Your meal (if you attend) will include sausages by Fry’s Vegetarian, tofu by Soyfoods and organic baked beans by Mr Organic.

**MAJOR UPDATE END**

I like to create situations where people can eat a lot of tasty vegan food. It’s my thing.

So get ready for the next BIG vegan food event, London.

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At 10am on Saturday 22nd February, 2014, I will be joined in central London by 40 hungry breakfast fanatics for a mouthwatering vegan fry up like no other.

I have teamed up with my friends Shambhu’s Vegan Catering to craft a community event set in an open plan kitchen and canteen just minutes on foot from bustling King’s Cross Station. This is more than just a breakfast. It is a chance to socialise with London vegans while enjoying a decadent meal crafted by one of the leading vegan catering companies in the UK.

So what’s on the menu?

Your breakfast plate will feature:

–  Succulent vegan sausages
– Scrambled tofu (Shambhu’s style) made with organic tofu
– Organic baked beans (delicately enhanced with secret spices)
– Irresistible garlic mushrooms
– Decadent fried wholemeal bread
– Crunchy hash browns
– Wilted spinach & cherry tomato warmed slightly

In addition to this scrumptious serving, you will be able to drink fairtrade or organic tea (breakfast, rooibos or green) and coffee to your heart’s content. Not a hot drink fan? Orange juice will be available by the jug, too.

This is going to be an extremely popular event so please don’t hesitate with booking. There are no hidden fees. Tickets just £15 and that includes your food and any drinks you want.

Book now!

Join the Fat Gay Vegan email subscriber list to be the first to know of upcoming events.

Contact me for child tickets

Saf set to close

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I would like to offer you the choice of hearing the good news or the bad news first, but to be honest I only have devastating news.

I am decidedly depressed to break the news that Saf Restaurant & Bar located in Whole Foods Market Kensington is set to close forever.

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Shut it down

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Remember how I raved about Mella Cafe on Oxford Street? I was so excited to share news of a completely vegan eatery serving up tasty, healthy food in the centre of the capital.

Well, there is some sad news to be shared. I just received the following message from Lynda via Facebook:

“I’m working in Berners St from today so I went along to Mella just now (for the first time – very excited) and it was all boarded up down there. The Bureau de Change man said yesterday was their last day and the landlord came to see the owner. He doesn’t know what was said, but that was that.”

Mella
Mella

Thanks to Lynda for the heads up but this is such a shame. I would love to know what happened and if the people behind Mella plan on resurfacing elsewhere. Anybody know?

You gotta support vegan businesses, people!

Around the World with FGV

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Four nights in central London. Four visiting chefs. All vegan. This multi-night food event is a celebration of vegan cuisine from all over the globe and something food lovers certainly do not want to miss.

Spread across Friday nights in March 2014, Around the World with FGV is a collaboration between London’s leading vegan event planner and four of the finest vegan cooks in the UK.

Each night will be an intimate affair accommodating only six diners. The menu for each event has been personally created by the visiting chef, who will also handcraft the meal on their corresponding night. The dining experience is to be hosted by Fat Gay Vegan (that’s me!) in his home.

Who is doing the cooking and what are they making? Hold on to your hats!

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LGBT Vegan London

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Here’s a quick public service announcement.

Did you know I started a Meetup group for people in London who identify as LGBT and vegan? The group has been running for just over a year and our outings have included trips to the pub, overeating in Camden and even a stroll around an art gallery.

The photo above shows a bunch of us from the group crowding out Koshari Street in central London recently. Future plans include a language exchange, a regular book swap and of course lots of vegan eating.

If any of the above sounds like a good time to you, please get on over to the Meetup group and sign up. We would love to have you join us!

New vegan business

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My friend Jess wrote to me a few days back to let me know about a new vegan business that has popped up in central London.

I won’t get a chance to get along to their opening but thought it would be an idea to spread the word in case you can make it. It sounds lovely.

So, what is the scoop?

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LabOrganic Opening Party this Sunday!

This all day event will take place at the brand new store in central London (58 Neal street, London WC2H 9PA) from 10am – 6pm on Sunday 19th January 2014.

Visit on the day to try a large selection of unique and delicious cold-pressed organic juices, superfood blends, mylks, health boosters, salads, raw snacks & much more.

You will meet many like-minded healthy Londoners and hear from the LabOrganic founders about the upcoming news & events at 4pm.

Above is the official word from the company. I reached out to them via Twitter and they confirmed that everything they sell is vegan and gluten-free. I am intrigued.

Report back here if you make it down to the opening.

Chip shop glory

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SEE UPDATE FROM THE CAFE IN THE COMMENTS

There is good news and there is great news. London, you just got some bloody fantastic news.

If you grew up in this country and you weren’t always vegan, chances are you frequented a fish and chip shop. As your personal understanding of animal cruelty grew, your trips to the local chip shop probably became further apart or they ended abruptly.

So, what would you say to being able to relive childhood memories of chip shop visits while upholding your current vegan beliefs?

If you like the sound of that offer, get down to Bethnal Green!

Wednesdays are now Chip Shop Wednesdays at The Gallery Café on Old Ford Road. The cafe will be selling a specially designed dish they are calling ‘tofish and chips’ once a week on Wednesday from 5pm (apart from the final Wednesday of each month which is a different event). The tasty-sounding meal comes with one side for £7.50.

I plan on getting my hands on some vegan fish and chips at The Gallery Café as soon as possible. Watch this space!

The Gallery Cafe on Old Ford Road
The Gallery Cafe on Old Ford Road

Italian afternoon tea

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On Saturday February 1st, 2014 between 5pm and 8pm, my pal Sara is hosting an afternoon tea packed full of herbal tea, Italian coffee and sweet and savoury Italian finger foods with a British twist.

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You MUST check out the menu below:

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Hash browns

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I am passionately in love with potato and firmly believe the humble hash brown is one of the finest achievements in the long and colourful history of this vegetable.

The photo above shows a simple snack that had me feeling joyous a few days ago. Sainsbury’s own brand hash browns with yellow mustard created the perfect coupling. Amazing.

Do you have a favourite brand of hash browns? Suggestions below!