Besos de Oro legal news

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UPDATE – THIS DEBT WAS PAID THIS MORNING (19th December, 2017) IN FULL

I have been asked a lot about my time working with Besos Food & Drinks, the UK company selling the drink Besos de Oro, so I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the situation.

I worked with this company for three months during 2016 and was never paid for the work I carried out.

When I first raised my concerns of the non-payment, Peter Smith of Besos Food & Drink communicated with me that he was more than happy with the work I did for his company and that he was sorry for late payment.

Even though he told me he would pay and admitted via email that he owed me £1500, he never attempted to make payment and that was the last I heard from him until I saw him in court.

I took my case to Small Claims Court and stuck with the process for over a year.

Last month at a hearing in London, the judge unequivocally found in my favour and ordered Peter Smith and Besos Food & Drink to pay me all money owed plus interest and court fees.

The amount now owing is £1800.

The court order generated from this decision carried a due date of December 15, 2017.

Peter Smith and Besos Food & Drinks failed to make the court order payment by this date.

Even though it will cost me more money in court filing fees, I will now take the next step of seeking money owed by implementing bailiffs who will enforce payment of outstanding monies owed.

All of this information is public knowledge and transcripts of the court proceedings can be sourced.

UPDATE – THIS DEBT WAS PAID THIS MORNING (19th December, 2017) IN FULL

Goodbye Kabaret

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Today is a poignant day for vegan London.

Vegan trailblazers Louise Wallis and Frank Hutson started Kabaret @ Karamel three years ago and today is the day they say goodbye to the project (the venue will change management and stay vegan).

The breakneck speed at which the vegan scene is expanding in London might be enough to fool you into thinking we’ve had it as good as we do for a long time. However, Louise and Frank were downright pioneers when they launched this venue.

Kabaret quickly established itself as a welcoming space that not only served tasty vegan food, but also operated as a nightclub, live music venue, performance space, and art gallery.

We all want to do positive things for our community, but Louise and Frank truly made a profound impact on London. Their venue built social capital and inspired our community in immeasurable ways.

It gave us London’s first 100% vegan bar and nightspot. It was home to our monthly Queer Vegan Disco party. It was a place that tried its best to make us all feel like we belong and that we all valuable and worthy. Indie bands, DJs, guest chefs, spoken word artists, poets, and all manner of creative people found an open door waiting for them at Kabaret.

Louise and Frank. I love you both for your personal sacrifice made in the name of improving outcomes for non-human animals. I’m indebted and inspired by your fight for social justice. I’m thankful for the work you have done to elevate the voices and realities of the at-risk and vulnerable in our community.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for Kabaret. Your contribution to vegan London will be missed more than can be measured.

Love FGV xx

 

FGV on the radio

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Earlier today I was a guest on BBC Radio London as I was invited to discuss the massive three-day Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market taking place on December 22, 23 and 24, 2017 at Hackney Downs Studios.

You can listen to my segment by clicking here.

You will need to scroll forward to the 50 minutes 45 seconds mark.

Much love to Jo and Simon for having me on their breakfast show.

Vegan soup kitchen at Black Cat

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Black Cat in Hackney is one of my favourite vegan places to eat in London.

Not only is the food tasty and served in generous portions, but the people who run the place are the some of the nicest people you will meet anywhere.

Check out this latest endeavour by the compassionate eatery.

Hackney Soup Kitchen on Friday December 22, 2017 from 5pm until close

Nobody will be refused food and for those that can afford to pay for it, they’ll have a donation pot available to support the work of a local Food Not Bombs group who do great work by finding surplus food, making tasty meals, and distributing them on the streets.

Please help Black Cat spread the word so they can feed as many people as possible and provide a warm space for the evening where people can escape the cold.

Black Cat want to give a special shout-out to some of their suppliers that will be supporting the evening by donating food: Ted Veg, Clean Bean Tofu, Growing Communities, and E5 Bakery. These suppliers have been donating stock throughout the year for other fundraisers and benefits Black Cat has hosted.

Black Cat

a cooperatively run, 100% vegan café

76A Clarence Road, Hackney, E5 8HB
www.blackcatcafe.co.uk

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Instagram and Twitter

New burger at Mooshies

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Adored burger providers Mooshies on Brick Lane have a new festive burger!

The burger is called Nutcracker and the ingredients are:

  • Lentils and Mushrooms
  • Sage & Onions
  • Flaxseeds
  • Peanut Butter and Cranberry Mayo Sauce

This seasonal burger is served on mixed salad and is available until end of January 2018.

You can follow Mooshies on Instagram.

Vegan fine dining voucher in London

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West End eatery Tredwells just enjoyed runaway success with a month of vegan dining events.

It was so successful in fact, the restaurant is now making it possible for you to buy the specially crafted 5-course vegan menu during any visit!

This five-course, vegan tasting menu was created especially for the supper clubs and is now available for guests to enjoy every day.

As it is the festive season, you can click here to buy the meal as a voucher to send to someone you care about. I would be totally made up to get this exquisite eating experience as a gift.

Chef Patron, Chantelle Nicholson, has long been a champion of plant-based cooking and to celebrate her love of this style of food she will be bringing out her first cookbook in spring 2018, aptly named, ‘Planted’, currently available for pre-order.

The 5-course vegan tasting menu comes with matching vegan wines for £75. Coffee, tea or infusions (as well as service charge) included.

You can follow Chef Chantelle on Instagram.

Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market 2017

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If you love Hackney Downs Vegan Market, you are going to ADORE Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market.

This 3-day extravaganza is a super-sized version of our weekly market featuring the best vegan street food in London as well as gifts and groceries for all your Christmas needs.

Due to the overwhelming success of this market last year (5,000 people turned up in one day!) we have expanded to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable experience. The festive market in 2017 marks the one year anniversary of Hackney Downs Vegan Market being held at Hackney Downs Studios. 

Help us celebrate! You can RSVP and invite friends via the Facebook event page.

Join me as we celebrate independent vegan business across Friday 22nd (3pm-9pm), Saturday 23rd (10am-6pm) and Sunday 24th (10am-5pm).

Photo credit: Andy Donohoe for Hackney Downs Studios

Keep scrolling below to see the line up for each day. Come along to one, two, or all three days!

Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market Friday December 22, 2017 (3pm-9pm)

  • Temple of Seitan – superstar vegan street food heroes also selling take home roasts for this market!
  • Young Vegans – do not miss out on their festive pie with mash, gravy and crispy onions
  • Fussy Chilesaurus – nutritious and incredibly tempting soupless ramen bowls and noodles
  • Silver Moon – artisan handcrafted vegan cheeses
  • Soapy Fairy – gorgeous handmade soaps that are perfect for gift giving
  • Viva La Vegan – t-shirts, magnets, cards, perfume and all manner of gifts
  • Cafe SoVegan – local street food champions selling juicy seitan wraps plus take home cheese sauce
  • The Vegan Treaterie – handsome tins of biscuits and shortbread for last minute presents
  • World O’ Burger – the new burger superstars of the London street food scene
  • Dee’s Table – Jamaican comfort food that will leave you intensely satisfied
  • The Sunny Spoon – the very finest French patisserie including festive gift boxes
  • The Little Vegan Cookie Co. – gorgeous cookies for a friend (or yourself!)
  • Vegan Bunny – handmade vegan candles in glass jars with lids (so many beautiful scents)
  • Baking Bad – stunning baked goods, cakes, and all manner of goodness
  • VeganHQ – stock up on essential vegan cooking ingredients and seasonal groceries
  • Vegan Delice Donuts – freshly cooked hot donuts from one of our most popular traders
  • Zero Waste Club – biodegradable goods such as bamboo toothbrushes and holders
  • Black Arts Vegan – artisan vegan cheese and other delights
  • Clarkshaws Brewery – Brixton-based brewery selling beer, mulled wine and take home mini kegs

Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market Saturday December 23, 2017 (10am-6pm)

  • Temple of Seitan – superstar vegan street food heroes also selling take home roasts for this market!
  • Club Mexicana – be sure to try the deep-fried vegan cheese from this crowd favourite!
  • Young Vegans – do not miss out on their festive pie with mash, gravy and crispy onions
  • Big V London – our regular burger traders with queues as big as their food
  • Vegan Delice Donuts – freshly cooked hot donuts from one of our most popular traders
  • Cafe SoVegan – local street food champions selling juicy seitan wraps plus take home cheese sauce
  • Makeup Without Malice – glorious selection of kind make up
  • Viva La Vegan – t-shirts, magnets, cards, perfume and all manner of gifts
  • VeganHQ – stock up on essential vegan cooking ingredients and seasonal groceries
  • Mouse’s Favourite – one of the most-loved cheese makers in the capital
  • The Little Vegan Cookie Co. – gorgeous cookies for a friend (or yourself!)
  • The Sunny Spoon – the very finest French patisserie including festive gift boxes
  • Pig Out – famous for their stacked hot dogs
  • Soapy Fairy – gorgeous handmade soaps that are perfect for gift giving
  • Zero Waste Club – biodegradable goods such as bamboo toothbrushes and holders
  • Vegan Bunny – handmade vegan candles in glass jars with lids (so many beautiful scents)
  • Black Arts Vegan – artisan vegan cheese and other delights
  • Clarkshaws Brewery – Brixton-based brewery selling beer, mulled wine and take home mini kegs

Hackney Downs Festive Vegan Market Sunday December 24, 2017 (10am-5pm)

  • Temple of Seitan – superstar vegan street food heroes also selling take home roasts for this market!
  • Young Vegans – do not miss out on their festive pie with mash, gravy and crispy onions
  • Lazy Boy Kitchen – decadent comfort food including mac n cheese
  • Dee’s Table – Jamaican comfort food that will leave you intensely satisfied
  • The Sunny Spoon – the very finest French patisserie including festive gift boxes
  • Clarkshaws Brewery – Brixton-based brewery selling beer, mulled wine and take home mini kegs
  • Pig Out – famous for their stacked hot dogs
  • VeganHQ – stock up on essential vegan cooking ingredients and seasonal groceries
  • The Little Vegan Cookie Co. – gorgeous cookies for a friend (or yourself!)
  • Vegan Bunny – handmade vegan candles in glass jars with lids (so many beautiful scents)
  • Baking Bad – stunning baked goods, cakes, and all manner of goodness
  • Zero Waste Club – biodegradable goods such as bamboo toothbrushes and holders
  • Black Arts Vegan – artisan vegan cheese and other delights
  • I AM NUT OK – artisan pate and vegan spreads

RSVP to the Facebook event now. See you at the market!

 

Festive Vegan Deli traders December 14

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As you you can tell from these photos, night one of Festive Vegan Deli was incredible.

We had food, we had fun, and we had a fabulous time talking with friends.

If you missed out, never fear as night two is almost upon us. Festive Vegan Deli is back in Camden Market on Thursday December 14, 2017 between midday and 8pm.

Wanna see the line up of traders for the event? Keep scrolling below.

Trader list for Festive Vegan Deli Thursday December 14, 2017:

  • Nutkin – handcrafted vegan cheese in superbly handsome packaging
  • Cafe SoVegan – take home packs of burgers, cheese sauce and more
  • Plant Based Artisan – stunning range of vegan honeys in glass jars
  • The Third Estate – unique ethical gifts and collectibles from this adored London boutique
  • The Cashew Family – gorgeously packaged vegan cheese ready for the festive period
  • Well-Bean Company – decadent artisan chocolate that are perfect for gift giving and stocking stuffing
  • La Buenaventura – vegan chorizo an Spanish omelette to take home for the Christmas table
  • VeganHQ – whipped cream, jackfruit, condensed milk and more festive pantry items
  • Vegan Delice – boxed baked cakes and treats to give friends (or yourself)
  • The Sunny Spoon – stunning French patisserie selection including festive gift boxes
  • Black Arts Vegan – the new kid on the artisan cheese block
  • I AM NUT OK – gorgeous spread and pate made from nuts

Festive Vegan Deli is the place to pick up all of your festive food needs. Stock up, take them home, and impress your guests.

If you are looking for food to eat before or after visiting our pop-up shop, there are many places to eat inside Camden Market including Young Vegans, Club Mexicana, Spice Box, Hash Green, VBurger, Magic Falafel and more.

You can RSVP to the Festive Vegan Deli Facebook event page and use it to invite friends.

The exact location of the shop can be seen here thanks to Google maps.

Extra news: don’t forget that Hackney Downs Vegan Market is also celebrating the festive season with a 3-day market on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 December, 2017. The Facebook event page is here.

Christmas Day for vegan London

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Do you like the idea of eating a vegan Christmas dinner in a 100% vegan venue on December 25th?

Because you can do just that!

Karamel Restaurant in Wood Green is much-loved for their Sunday roast dinners crafted by Kath and Roger, so it makes a lot of sense that they would be the place to go for a Christmas meal on Christmas Day.

Check out the gorgeous menu below and book by phoning 020 8829 8989.