We’ve followed the rise of LA’s superfoods and Melbourne’s vegan brunch scene from afar, but this autumn feels like London is finally getting its own brand of plant-based dining that’s luxe, low key and inclusive.
New to Shoreditch, Essence Cuisine has been designed by Andreas Bozarth Fornell (Acne Studios, Sandro), leaving the food to high-end vegan pioneer Matthew Kinney, with 100% plant-based dishes and cold pressed juices. General Manager David Reid told us only 40% of their customers are vegan, so instead of labels, it’s all about inclusivity.
Ceremony suits its neighbourhood gem status to a T, but there’s more at play at Tufnell Park’s new arrival. The menu focuses on food that happens to be vegetarian, and is supplemented with produce grown in the kitchen garden (a rare amenity in this city at least). With owners Joe Stokoe and Ali Dedianko’s shared experience at Milk & Honey, Trailer Happiness and Belvedere Vodka, you know you’re in good drink hands.
And incoming from Berlin are Cookies Cream. They’re celebrating their 10th birthday with a tour of Europe, and are headed to London on Thursday 19th October (we’re hoping they’re testing the water for something!). They’ll bring their take on vegetarian fine dining to Hyde Park’s Magazine Restaurant for a four-course menu with dynamic wine pairing. Miso cucumber caviar and truffle dumplings? Get booking!
If this is the future of food, count us in.
Photo: Essence Cusine
