London

Up in Archway

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Some of you probably think that if a restaurant in London is serving vegan food, the FGV must have been there. Right?

Sorry to disappoint, but even after all this time eating and reporting back to you there are still eateries that have escaped my fat clutches. Loving Hut in Archway was one such destination and I was constantly being asked for my opinion on their food. I couldn’t take the harassment from curious vegans any longer, so I made a special trip to the north London restaurant just to get you all off my back.

Just like Loving Hut locations the world over, the Archway version serves a completely vegan menu and is staffed by followers of the Quan Yin Method (Google exists for a reason, people). The menu is much more extensive than the recently-closed Camden branch but I do believe the Edgware location still holds the title of most gigantic Loving Hut menu in the world.

Josh and I ordered like the professional eaters we are. Wanna see what we got our teeth into?

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NYE with FGV

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Make your last meal of 2013 extra special as Fat Gay Vegan partners with vegan cuisine leaders Saf to bring you a New Year’s Eve supper club to be remembered. Book now or read on for more details.

Saf Restaurant & Bar (located inside Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street) serve some of the finest plant-based food in the UK. Every item featured on the Saf menu is world class and lovingly-prepared by the staff.

This exclusive New Year’s Eve event will see Saf closed to the public and will feature a 3 course meal (2 options for each course) with a fizzy welcome cocktail all for £30 (+fee) per person. Fat Gay Vegan (that’s me!) will greet and host throughout the dinner.

There will be time to mingle around the bar and diners can purchase extra wine, cocktails or beer from Saf. All alcohol served in the restaurant is vegan and there are gluten free drink options.

The event will commence at 7pm and come to an end at 10pm, allowing diners time to spirit away into the night to ring in midnight with friends and loved ones.

View the evening’s menu below.

Book now to be part of this special meal.

Limited availability. No refunds.

See my recent review of Saf here.

Saf’s what I’m talking about

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Almost every day. That is how often I get emails or tweets asking for my London vegan dining recommendations.

Of course I don’t mind giving my opinion. The belief that my view matters is the self-centred reason I write a blog. However, I was getting a bit tired of saying that I thought London wasn’t a patch on other international cities when it came to vegan cuisine. Sure, we have some OK places to eat plant-based food but I was never overly impressed the way I have been by Gentle Gourmet in Paris or Vedge in Philadelphia.

Well, finally we have something in the UK capital that I am more than happy to recommend. Vegans and vegan-curious, say hello to the re-imagined  Saf Restaurant & Bar menu.

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All bags are not created equal

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Is there anything more exciting than getting a swag bag full of treats? Well, what if I said the treats were all vegan?

Now we’re talking!

My 2nd Annual Day of the Dead supper club is quickly approaching and there are plenty of reasons why you would want to be there:

  • A welcome cocktail featuring hibiscus, tequila and agave syrup
  • Five courses of delicious vegan food made to authentic Mexican recipes
  • Ingredients supplied by Cool Chile Co – the best Mexican food company in the UK
  • A prize for best dressed attendee courtesy of Vegan Faces make up
  • Gorgeous decorations including a día de los muertos altar
  • Projected visuals and Mexican pop music
  • Your host Fat Gay Vegan (that’s me!) in a Mexican wrestling mask all night

You want another reason to book a ticket right now? No? OK, go here! But if that isn’t enough for you, keep reading.

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A very vegan Christmas

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Join me as I take over The Gallery Cafe for a night of festive food, stellar company and vegan drinks.

Frequent visitors to my blog know I don’t celebrate Christmas but I always say I do celebrate delicious food. When I was approached by The Gallery Cafe to host this event, I took about one second to squeal “Yes!”.

On Friday December 13, 2013 from 7pm, this east London eatery will be closed to the public for a private vegan Christmas dinner that you will not want to miss.

Attendees will be welcomed with a warm cup of mulled wine before being served a delicious 3 course dinner directly to their table. The menu for the evening is mouth watering:

Welcome drink – cup of homemade mulled wine

Starter – wild mushroom pate served with toasted sourdough bread, locally sourced chutney and a salad garnish

Main – homemade nut roast A walnut and brazil nut roast served with roast potatoes, glazed root vegetables, seasonal greens, cranberry stuffing and a good glug of gravy

Dessert – mince pie served with brandy cream

Entry to the event is for ticket holders only. The restaurant will be closed to the public for the evening. You must buy a ticket to secure your place.

All food is included in the price of £25 plus booking fee. Additional drinks including vegan beer, wine and cider can be purchased throughout the evening at additional cost.

Buy tickets from here: A Very Vegan Christmas

Bah humbug, indeed!

Would you like to marry me?

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Here is some interesting news. Well, interesting if you are planning on getting married and buying a glamorous frock in which to walk down the aisle.

Yesterday I visited a gorgeous showroom (or atelier if you want to be impressive) tucked down a side street in the heart of Bloomsbury. Tammam is a destination for exquisitely handcrafted dresses, recycled jewellery and bespoke fashion.

I know. You are probably asking yourself why FGV is giving airtime to high end wedding gowns. It just so happens an upcoming event held in the showroom caught my attention.

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Nine lives

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Pogo Cafe is gone but in a city the size of London, vacant cafes don’t sit empty for long. 

It is with great excitement that I welcome Black Cat Vegan Café to the capital food scene. This workers’ co-op has taken over the old Pogo site and looks set to keep the spirit of vegan eating alive and well in Hackney.

I am yet to make it over to the new cafe but that hasn’t stopped me from sharing with you what I know. Here are some bits of information sent through by Carolyn, the chef at Black Cat Vegan Café.

I would love to hear what you all think of the food on offer.

Black Cat Vegan Cafe
Black Cat Vegan Café

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Best in show

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I just need to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the people who voted for me in the VegfestUK awards 2013.

The award ceremony took place on Saturday during the show and I was genuinely thrilled to be presented with the award for Best Blogger of the Year. It was lovely. This blog has been running for almost three years and recognition isn’t expected, but it certainly is appreciated.

From the bottom of my fat gay vegan heart, I thank you.

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