vegan UK

Want to trade at a new vegan market in London?

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It isn’t a stretch to say Hackney Downs Vegan Market was one of the most influential plant-based things to happen to London over the past 10 years.

The opening weekend welcomed approximately 5,000 people and the market acted as the launching pad for some of the most recognised vegan brands in the UK capital.

Ever since Hackney Downs Vegan Market came to an end, I’ve been thinking and dreaming of bringing another market to life.

It’s 2021 and I feel like it’s time to stop dreaming. I want to get a vegan market up and running again!

Fat Gay Vegan (that’s me) is teaming up with Buck Street Market on Camden Hight Street to launch a 5-day a week artisan market just for vegan products. Yes, that’s correct. 5-days a week, every week. The market will run 11am until 6pm from Wednesday until Sunday.

Vegan Makers at Buck Street is set to be a collection of stalls celebrating the best take home vegan products including deli items, cheese, pantry items homewares, clothing, candles, and personal products.

Located just a few steps from Camden Town Underground station on one of the busiest streets in the UK, Vegan Makers at Buck Street will be the most exciting place to shop in London for compassionate consumers.

Buck Street Market is a 3-level complex featuring rooftop bars, restaurants, street food, and shops. Vegan Makers will be in the central courtyard on street level, meaning our vegan stalls lead out to Camden High Street and are less than a 60-second walk from Camden Town Underground station.

Camden is undoubtedly the vegan centre of London and visitors to Buck Street will have a huge choice of places to dine in the area. Even though there will be no hot food on our market, Camden is simply overflowing with plant-based food outlets.

Buck Street Market itself is home to vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, while legendary eateries Temple of Seitan and Purezza are only a 2-minute walk away (to name just two).

People can shop at Vegan Makers at Buck Street and then have the tough job of narrowing down the dozens of plant-based food choices in the neighbourhood.

The above photos shows what our stalls look like. They are white metal with folding doors on both sides, meaning traders can lock their stall at the end of each day and will only have to worry about transporting perishables each day. No clumsy stalls to pack up. No heavy gazebos to drag home.

Vegan Makers at Buck Street is a chance for vegan businesses and independent traders to have a mini shop in the heart of London without having to commit to huge rents and business rates. WiFi is available for traders to use for payment devices, while there will be limited electricity for some stalls.

This shopping district is one of the most desired in London and a spot in the Vegan Makers section will expose traders and brands to potentially tens of thousands of shoppers every day. Weekends on this street are particularly busy and a summertime coming out of lockdown means record numbers of shoppers are expected.

Examples of what we would love to see on the vegan market:

  • Cheese and deli items
  • Kombucha
  • Wine, spirits, and champagne to take home
  • Cake or patisserie
  • Personal care products
  • Zero waste
  • Candles and gifts
  • Cruelty free make up
  • Organic pantry items
  • Jewellery
  • Hats, shoes, sunglasses, and clothing

Vegan Makers at Buck Street plans to launch in June 2021.

We have great introductory rates for the first month (even lower if you commit to the full month). There is no market in Central London where you could trade in such a high profile spot at these prices.

If you are a trader and want more information about booking a stall, email josh@fgvpr.co.uk and he will fill you in. This market is for vegan products only and spots are offered for the full 5 days each week. There are no weekend-only spots.

PLEASE NOTE: there will be NO hot food or street food on the Vegan Makers section of Buck Street Market. There are many 100% vegan food spots in Camden right now and this artisan market has been designed to add value to the area for vegan visitors, not take away from businesses already in Camden.

Special deal in Sheffield

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This one here is for my Sheffield people. Only!

This weekend in the Steel City, hungry vegans and vegan-friendly eaters can grab some great deals from the Make No Bones stable of restaurants to celebrate their launch on the UberEats delivery app.

The three restaurants (Make No Bones, Saucy, and La Fonda) are offering 2-for-1 specials on selected menu items.

What can you get at this special 2-for-1 rate?

At Make No Bones:

  • Cheeseburger
  • Cheese fries
  • Ribs

At Saucy:

  • Classic beef
  • Classic chicken
  • Chicken bacon cheese
  • 3 wings

At La Fonda:

  • Mexican quesadilla
  • Chorizo and potato burrito
  • Papas alambre

Get ordering! This special is until close of trade on Sunday May 16, 2021 or until they run out of food.

Follow La Fonda, Saucy, and Make No Bones on Instagram.

Extra note: I have helped MNB with work for money in the past, so don’t get it twisted.

News podcast for May 12, 2021

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I am back again with a brief audio recap of all the vegan news that matters to me this week.

It is the Fat Gay Vegan Weekly News Roundup: episode 4.

Listen to how many mistakes I make this week. Also, find out about free vegan meat, a vegan job in London, and where in the UK a pub has just gone 100% vegan.

FGV mini news round up December 28, 2022 – final of the year – Fat Gay Vegan

As the year ebbs away join me for a chat about the tough task of going home, Whitney Houston, and vegan food on QANTAS planes.
  1. FGV mini news round up December 28, 2022 – final of the year
  2. FGV’s Mini News Roundup December 7, 2022
  3. FGV’s mini news roundup – news, views, and reviews from the plant-based world and beyond
  4. Fat Gay Vegan mini news roundup March 17, 2022
  5. FGV mini news roundup December 23, 2021 – vegan news and reviews

If you appreciate the work I do to encourage people to go and stay vegan, as well as the support I give to independent business, click the image below to pledge or donate financially if you can.

Tune in to the podcast recap every Wednesday!

Work wth a vegan business in London

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You all remember Essential Vegan Café.

The superstar Brazilian eatery served loving and loyal customers in Shoreditch prior to landing in their new permanent home inside legendary LGBT+ venue, Dalston Superstore.

It’s a dream come true for lovers of vegan comfort food and queer bar excitement. Essential Vegan serve patrons inside the venue and even make the food for the weekend drag brunch!

If you like the sound of all that and you currently need employment, Essential Vegan is hiring.

They are looking for a part-time kitchen assistant/chef to join their small and lovely team from May 2021. You must know your way around a commercial kitchen and have Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate.

The job involves doing prep, service, cleaning and closing.

Interested? Send your CV to vanessa@essentialvegan.co.uk

If you get the job, make sure you keep watching for me in the crowd. I’ll be down there often for vegan eating and LGBT good times!

You can see the Essential Vegan menu online and follow Essential Vegan on Instagram.

Hand painted vegan chocolate bars

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I’m always shouting from the rooftops about Truffle Pig and their decadent vegan chocolates.

The Sheffield-based confectionary specialists have developed a loyal following and it is no surprise when you consider how delicious their products are.

I first tried Truffle Pig chocolates a few years back when they traded at my Sheffield Vegan Beer Fest. I bought as much as I could but people swamped them and everything was gone very quickly.

Knowing how popular the brand is, you should be excited about this new hand painted, dark chocolate block released just last week.

It is called Riots Not Diets.

This 100g chocolate bar is made with their signature dark 55% cocoa with 'RIOTS NOT DIETS' written on each one.  As these are hand painted design, each bar will be uniquely decorated! 

Support independent vegan business and support your taste buds. Click here to check out the entire Truffle Pig range online, including the new Riots Not Diets bar.

Important fact: Truffle Pig restock online every Friday so you need to be quick on the day to place your order.

You can also follow Truffle Pig on Instagram.

Time to visit London vegan eateries

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After surviving the past year and a bit, I don’t think I will ever complain about time dragging again.

Nothing could ever feel as long as the winter from which we emerged. I was finding it tough going.

But FINALLY it seems as though we are emerging from the gloom, so I thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate 10 vegan restaurants I am excited to rush back to in London.

My list is below. Be sure to click through and follow the businesses on Instagram and tell me your top picks in the comments.

10. Purezza had to be on this list. The pizza chain has locations popping up all over the place (including a spot in Manchester soon) but I need to get into the jumbo-sized Camden location on Parkway. The restaurant got an upgrade since I was last there and I’m excited to try it out. Follow Purezza on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6rBbrpz9G/

9. I feel like a bad vegan. Itadakizen is a Japanese vegan restaurant in London that has been there for YEARS and I have only eaten there once. So slack of me. They recently gifted me their ramen sauce (amazing – read here) so I have a new appreciation and excitement for them. Follow Itadakizen on Instagram.

8. Copperhouse Chocolate is London’s only 100% vegan chocolate cafe and shop. Maybe it is the only one in the entire UK? I want to drop in for a chocolate drink, something chocolate-based to eat, and some handmade chocolates to take home with me. Follow Copperhouse Chocolate on Instagram.

7. This list would not be complete without the legendary Temple of Seitan. My fellow Aussies have become global names for the magic they create with vegan fried chicken. They have a few locations serving up some of the best comfort food on the planet, while there are rumours that a certain FGV might be helping them out with a few things in the near future. Follow Temple of Seitan on Instagram.

6. Essential Vegan lives! After closing their Shoreditch location, Essential Vegan came back strong with a permanent residency inside Dalston Superstore. If vegan food inside an LGBT venue doesn’t scream FGV, nothing does. Follow Essential Vegan on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/COC_yqLpeGi/

5. Fancy casual dining rarely comes tastier than Wulf & Lamb. Now with two locations (Chelsea and Marylebone), Wulf & Lamb is my go to venue when I have friends visiting from outside London. I feel like I’m showing off! Follow Wulf & Lamb on Instagram.

4. Deserted Cactus is another place that makes me feel like a bad vegan because I have never eaten there. I am going to rectify this serious error ASAP after lockdown and restrictions. Peckham locals have been raving about this food and I want in on the good times. Follow Deserted Cactus on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJy0s0VJd2C/

3. Why did I post a photo of people instead of food when listing Cafe Van Gogh? Because even though the food is seriously delicious, the people working at this Brixton vegan eatery are some of the nicest you will meet in the city. It is a total experience you will want to relive again and again. I can’t wait to get back. Follow Cafe Van Gogh on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNNhMIWBJry/

2. Oh, kebabs! Remember when What The Pitta opened in that little shed in Shoreditch and had lines for days?! People loved the food then and they love it even more now, with locations opening around the country. Make mine a snack box with burger sauce, please. Follow What The Pitta on Instagram.

  1. Last but in no freaking way least, Cookies & Scream. I mean, what can I say about this absolutely amazing and legendary vegan business? The bakery is vegan and gluten free. You’ll always leave with a smile from ear to ear. Truly delicious. Follow Cookies & Scream on Instagram.

And I know I claimed to be making a list of 10 vegan places to revisit in London, but I’ve run out of space and decided I needed to include Young Vegans Pizza Shop. They are on track to re-open soon after taking care of the decorating that happened during lockdown (see below)! If this isn’t the best vegan pizza on the planet, it is darn well close. Follow Young Vegans Pizza Shop on Instagram.

Who did I miss from your favourites? What other vegan restaurants are set to reopen or are already serrving again?

Let’s eat, London!

Sheffield pub turns food menu 100% vegan

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The vegan revolution shows little sign of slowing down in the UK and this city centre pub announcement is further proof.

The Old House is a popular watering hole on Devonshire Street that has been serving vegan options on their food menu for a while, however they have now made the decision to switch to 100% vegan food and cocktails as they come out of lockdown.

Locals can book tables now in anticipation of the May 19, 2021 reopening and really get fired up by the tantalising menu.

Check it out below.

The menu is packed with tempting comfort food including all day brunch, stacked burgers, and loaded fries.

But it isn’t just the food!

All of the cocktails will be vegan, too. Fill up on plant-based drinks and snacks.

You can follow The Old House on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on menu additions.

Need to book a table? Head over to The Old House website. The Sunday roast dinners will be especially popular.

Weekly news Roundup Episode 3

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FGV mini news round up December 28, 2022 – final of the year – Fat Gay Vegan

As the year ebbs away join me for a chat about the tough task of going home, Whitney Houston, and vegan food on QANTAS planes.
  1. FGV mini news round up December 28, 2022 – final of the year
  2. FGV’s Mini News Roundup December 7, 2022
  3. FGV’s mini news roundup – news, views, and reviews from the plant-based world and beyond
  4. Fat Gay Vegan mini news roundup March 17, 2022
  5. FGV mini news roundup December 23, 2021 – vegan news and reviews

The latest episode of my weekly vegan news roundup is online.

As always, a massive thank you to my Patreon supporters for helping to keep the FGV show on the road.

I really wouldn’t be here without the financial support. The WiFi would not be paid!

If you would like to support the FGV platforms financially, please click the box below to find out about making a monthly pledge or donating one-time only.

Vegan bakery and sweets to help homeless

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Poster Bakes is a vegan bakery and social enterprise run by The Connection at St Martin’s, a homelessness charity that operates within Central London.

Poster Bakes started out by selling traditional deep-filled doughnuts, made fresh every day and delivered to people around London by bicycle.

As the second wave of lockdowns came in and with Christmas fast approaching, Poster Bakes launched their mail order mince pie kits, which could be delivered to people all over the UK to spread some cheer and festive magic in the run up to Christmas.

The social enterprise went on to launch deliciously-spiced hot cross bun baking kits in the run up to Easter and now offer their brand new range of vegan pick and mix! You can select your own or choose from one of their mouth-watering mixes.

All profits made through Poster Bakes go directly towards continuing The Connection’s work, helping thousands of people each year to move away from the streets. They will also be running kitchen classes for people experiencing homelessness to help give them the tools and knowledge to cook and make nutritious food decisions when they become housed.

The website is currently open for pick and mix orders that can be shipped around the UK, and Poster Bakes have plans to launch some delicious new baking kits within the next few months. If you would like to find out any more information about the work of The Connection, click here.

You can also follow Poster Bakes on Instagram.

Vegan tapas at Beer Engine Sheffield

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A few days ago I was invited to try the vegan food options at The Beer Engine in Sheffield, South Yorkshire which has just reopened.

The food menu is tapas style and all super tasty. Yes, I ate everything I’ve listed below:

  • caramelised onion hummus with olives and pita
  • padron peppers with sea salt
  • agedashi tofu
  • tomato bruschetta
  • miso and maple cauliflower wings
  • patatas bravas with vegan aioli
  • loaded nachos
  • fried plantain with pineapple salsa

Click on the image to see all the food via my Instagram account.

They have renovated the beer garden of the pub with plants, lights, and umbrellas so rug up and get down there between Wednesday and Sunday. Come summer, this place is going to be packed solid every single day.

You can see the Beer Engine food menu online here.

You can follow The Beer Engine on Instagram.