London vegan news, reviews & events
A fat, gay vegan must work hard at a couple of things to qualify as a fat, gay vegan. Obviously, you have to be same-sex attracted in order to fill the gay requirements. If you want to call yourself vegan, don’t eat or wear non-human animals. To stay on top of the fat moniker, consume as many gourmet milkshakes as humanly possible.
This blog entry is a thank you to Shakeaway for assisting this FGV to stay worthy of the name.
Josh has taken on guest reviewer duties once again following a recent trip to Glasgow. Take it away…
I am seriously impressed by Glasgow and it’s hard to know where to start.
When I found out that my job was taking me to Glasgow for four days, I immediately looked to HappyCow and was delighted to see that there was not one, not two… but FOUR completely vegan eateries located in the city plus several vegetarian places. How could I possibly fit them all in? Apologies in advance for the dodgy phone-photos.
We did it! We moved the London Vegan Potluck to a new Central London location and many wonderful vegans and friends came out to celebrate.
The night was a delightful fusion of food, fun and fabulous people. Located just off High Holborn, the event took place in a large room generously supplied by Syracuse University London Program. Much gratitude goes out to the program for affording us the opportunity.
Potluckers had extra reason to be excited as world-class dessert chef Fran Costigan was in attendance with copies of her book and a sampling of her delicious truffles. Much love and thanks go out to Fran for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit with us tonight.
The food didn’t stop with Fran’s truffles. There was plenty on offer and everything I tried was delicious. Before we get to the photos though, I must mention one thing…
Last night was one for the history books as London Vegan Drinks steamrolled into the capital in a major way.
The evening was destined to be memorable. Regent Street was packed with bustling shoppers, workers and tourists as I made my way to Tibits. I was delighted to be out on a hot, London night anyway but the London Vegan Drinks attendees and Tibits staff quickly turned the outing into one of my favourite nights in recent memory.
One of the things I adore about living in London is the vast array of food readily available.
The city is such a remarkable melting pot of cultures and this is reflected in the styles of cuisine on offer. Vegans can dine on Indian food, pizza, Palestinian falafel, Chinese-inspired dishes and even cruelty-free cupcakes. But you don’t need to dine out to dip into this diversity. Supermarkets and grocery stores all over the capital reflect the eclectic population and vegan shoppers can take advantage of it.
As I am busy preparing for London Vegan Drinks (that is, harassing people via email and Twitter), Josh has kindly stepped in to keep you informed of vegan eats and drinks in the town of Oxford.
Take it away, Josh.
I’m putting my usual smart-talking sass mouth to rest tonight due to a severely heavy heart.
I am profoundly saddened to announce the passing of my beloved friend of 13 years… Wallace.
Wallace was recently diagnosed with cancer and had been in surgery today to remove a large tumor. His poor little body couldn’t handle the stress and trauma of the ordeal and he went to sleep this evening and didn’t wake up. I am so very sad.
He was a charming, lovable and affectionate animal who brought more joy to my life than I could ever quantify. From the time I met him in Manchester in 1998, he was a light in my often troubled and challenging life. Wallace would always attempt to claim a spot next to me on the bed and through my streaming tears, I swear I can see him there now.
I am sad for everyone who ever knew Wallace. Nobody met him and walked away untouched by his presence. His surviving brother Gromit is loved just as much, but it was Wallace who stole the show. He was adored.
I miss you Wallace. I love you. Thank you for making my world a better place.
I had to think for a while prior to writing this entry. How should I tackle the subject matter at hand? The product I am reviewing is not so unusual in itself but the name is extremely unique and conjures up certain… ahem, imagery. But I certainly didn’t want to be juvenile or crass.
I decided to take the mature and classy route as I talk to you today about the Bowel Benefit Bar. Let’s not make a scene.
In an ever-increasing market of vegan meats, there are a few definite standouts that always manage to find their way into my FGV basket. Redwood produce stunning rashers, roasts and sausages. Fry’s Vegetarian sell fabulous schnitzels, nuggets and strips. Rest assured, there are plenty of proteins out there and they keep on coming.
Now, I know I said there are plenty out there but plenty doesn’t mean enough. A range of vegan meats that has recently come to my attention is known as Wheaty and I couldn’t be happier that it is in my life. These succulent, plant-based deli meats are chunky, carve-able and oh-so-tasty. Produced in Germany, the seitan delicacies are among the world’s best.
I have ceased overeating for a few moments in order to tell you about an exciting event coming up on the London animal welfare calendar.
London Animal Charities Fair is sweeping into Kings Cross on Sunday November 6, 2011 between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Housed in The Camden Centre, the day-long event is being staged as a fund-raising endeavour for a huge range of animal charities, welfare groups and activists.
Admission to the fair is £2 or £1.50 for pensioners while people under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge. Money raised through admission goes to covering the ongoing running costs of the fair. There will be a children’s activity area and a vegan cafe run by Loving Hut where you will be able to buy hot food, cakes and drinks.
Charities will be hosting stalls selling gifts, books, bric-a-brac and more in order to raise funds for their crucial campaigning. Stall holders will include Animal Aid, The Vegetarian Society, Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary and Animals Asia. A number of talks will be given, including a session by Darren Collis of Sea Shepherd.
Scribble the date in your diary, tell your friends and put away a few pounds for a good cause disguised as a good day out. I’ll see you there.
London Animal Charities Fair, Sunday November 6, 2011, 10am-4pm
The Camden Centre (Euston Road Entrance opp. Kings Cross St. Pancras) WC1H 9LZ
Visit the official website
Join the Facebook group page