Lettuce Show You How To Do National Veggie Week Right
What was once thought a hippy-style craze is certainly no longer – vegetarianism and veganism is taking the whole world by storm, endorsed by A-list celebrities including Ariana Grande, Liam Hemsworth and even Kim Kardashian has said she eats plant-based at home. Finding a balance between cutting out your meat intake can be tricky, but it’s certainly not impossible. Whether it’s opting for oat milk instead of semi-skimmed, or choosing the vegetarian substitute to your favourite piece of meat or fish, it’s all going to make a difference to both yourself and the planet. If you’re not quite ready to ditch the dairy, vegetarianism is the perfect next step on this journey.
Here’s our guide to National Vegetarian Week 2019, allowing you to experiment and try some of the finest plant based restaurants across the city:
Tuesday
Ottolenghi Notting Hill
If you’re looking to fill your tupperware with a nutritious feast and pile in your veg count for the day, head down to one of Ottolenghi’s haunts. Known for his column in the Guardian, television appearances and notorious cookery books, Yoham has created a sanctuary for both meat eaters and veggies alike. At the Notting Hill branch, grab a selection of the wide range of veggie salads on your lunch break and you’ll be certain to feel like a green goddess after all the nutrients flood through your body.
Where: 63 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AD
Website: www.ottolengi.co.uk
Wednesday
Mildreds
Since opening in 1988, Mildreds has truly revolutionised and redefined what it means to be vegetarian. Now with four venues across the city, they draw customers from across the city and beyond helping to serve fresh, colourful and honest international vegetarian food. Along with the informal and friendly service, the food offers a healthy alternative for hardened carnivores, and I’m sure their delicacies have influenced some to head on the veggie journey – and perhaps you’ll be next in line too.
Where: 45 Lexington Street, W1F 9AN
Website: www.mildreds.co.uk
Thursday
Farmacy
The slightly unusual take veganism might not be up everybody’s street but don’t let that stop you from trying the plant-based offerings. When Farmacy first opened, it was slightly ahead of its time. Now, however, everyone’s jumping on board of their trend setting approaches to eating organic and adopting a chemical-free lifestyle.
The huge list of ‘golden’ ingredients can be slightly intimidating at first, but don’t be afraid to ask for advice when ordering a superfood smoothie or house special. It’s the perfect spot for the mid-week slump to push you through the last day of work with nutritious and delicious bowls of goodness.
Where: 74 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W2 5SH
Website: www.farmacylondon.com
Friday
Vanilla Black
Hurray, you’ve made it through the tiresome working week and now it’s time to indulge in some delectable veggie dishes as a treat. The owners of Vanilla Black turned vegetarian for no particular reason except to just stop eating fish and meat. Like most, they struggled to eat out – due to the lack of option. so back in 2004 they decided to set up a restaurant with no dishes relying on pasta, meat substitutes or over the top spicing.
Fast-forward to now, they’re continuing to break down the stereotypes of the vegetarian diet, serving up simple flavours with stylised vegetables to create impeccable dishes – many of which are vegan too!
Where: 17-18 Took’s Court, London, EC4A 1LB
Website: www.vanillablack.co.uk
Saturday
Pied à Terre
If you’re wanting to explore a Michelin starred vegetarian experience, Pied à Terre is the perfect spot to head to offering both a vegetarian and vegan ten course tasting menu. It’s popular with meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, incorporating a selection of canapés, pre dessert and seven inventive courses, currently celebrating all of thing spring related.
It’s perfect for a celebration, birthday, anniversary or a fancy catch up with friends – and the food is beautifully presented, so perfect to show-off to your Instagram followers.
Where: 34 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, W1T 2NH
Website: www.pied-a-terre.co.uk
Sunday
Norman's Coaches & Horses
Finding the best Sunday roast is tricky, even for those who eat meat. Known for being London’s first vegetarian and vegan pub, Norman’s Coaches and Horses serves up traditional pub grub which will have you leaving full and satisfied with their wholesome offerings. Each Sunday, they serve up two veggie roasts laced with all the hearty trimmings and lashings of gravy.
Where: 29 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 5DH
Website: www.coachsoho.co.uk
An Added Bonus
Galvins At Windows
Created by their fearless Head Chef, Joo Won, and their new vegan general manager, Gilles Louis, Galvins at Windows has launched a vegetarian dining experience over the National Vegetarian Week. Running from Monday 13th to Saturday 18th, the plant based menu will be combining a mixture of British, French and Korean flavours along with showcasing the beauty of Spring. There will be plenty of options to choose from including the natural taste of Spring in their asparagus, cheddar cream, parmesan tuille and confit lemon, two delectable risotto options, one being Korean inspired laced with kimchi or try the British version with pearl barley and wild garlic.
Where: Galvin at Windows, 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1BE
Website: www.galvinatwindows.com
