 When the Vegetarian Society was first established, way back in 1847, no one could have predicted the widespread popularity of modern day vegetarianism and veganism. From tentative beginnings, the veggie scene in the UK and worldwide has changed beyond recognition, most notably over the last decade or so.
During National Vegetarian Week, earlier this year, it was announced that bookings at vegetarian restaurants across the UK were up by 16 percent, in 2002. And, the demand for quality vegetarian products is clearly evident in the increasing number of start-up vegetarian restaurants opening their doors to enthusiastic applause, not only in the city, but also throughout Britain.
Perhaps more significant, is the recent change in attitude demonstrated by “omnivorous” style eateries that hitherto had offered only a limited range of vegetarian dishes. So many restaurants had, for a long time, paid mere lip service to vegetarianism. All too often vegetarians who wished to dine in the company of carnivores would encounter tokenism, even ostracism as well as limited foodie options. They would have to settle for an uninspiring second best.
A growing slice of the population, however, is turning to vegetarianism and veganism; and any restaurant or food outlet worth its salt has had to respond to the new demands of the British dining public.
Nominations for the Vegetarian Society Awards 2003, in the “best vegetarian omnivorous cafe or restaurant” included a wide range of different style eating establishments, each with a superb and varied menu of truly flavoursome and imaginative dishes. Nominations for the London area alone illustrate this welcome diversity. In this category, they include:
• Cicada, 132 - 136 St John St, Farringdon, London EC1V 4JT
• Belgo, 50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2 9HP
• Hunan, 51 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE
• Jakobs, 20 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4RB
• Sausage & Mash Cafe, 268 Portobello Road, London W10 5TY
• The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, Spitalfields Market, London E1 6BG.
“Demi-vegetarianism” is another growing trend, which one might interpret as something of a chicken and egg situation. Diners, who are essentially carnivorous, but also in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, are opting in droves to eat more white meat, fish and vegetarian-based dishes. The nub of the issue is that this exacting sector of the dining population refuses, point blank, to compromise on flavour, inspiration and diversity, when it comes to mealtime! They know what they want…and they know where to get it!
Today there are numerous veggie-friendly London restaurants eager to please the leaner and healthier element of the British dining public. The following is but a sample of what’s on offer:
Blah! Blah! Blah! 78 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8HA: for arguably the ultimate gourmet vegetarian experience.
Country Life, 3–4 Warwick Street, (near Piccadilly Circus), London, W1R 5WA: recommended for its 100% vegetarian, international cuisine, much of it organic.
Eat and Two Veg, 50 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5HN: a relatively new vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving traditional British style nosh such as sausage & mash and shepherd’s pie, as well as traditional Thai and Chinese classics.
Indian Vegetarian Bhelpuri House, 92 Chapel Market, Islington, London, N1 9EX serves organic vegetarian dishes that is excellent value for money.
Pepperton UK, 25 Selhurst Road, London SE25 5PT: this recently opened licensed vegetarian/vegan restaurant (and contemporary art gallery) offers delicious modern European vegetarian dishes, presented with flair.
Tai, 10 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1V: a vegan Chinese buffet, amazing prices, Tai is a great venue for demi-veggies who enjoy substantial meat-style dishes without the meat!
VitaOrganic, 279c Finchley Road, London, NW3 6ND: offers a delicious Malaysian buffet prepared with fresh, low-fat ingredients.
Woodlands (Marylebone), 77 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2PS: for authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine prepared by Indian master-chefs.
Today, vegetarian and vegan cooking is viewed as an integral part of the modern dining scene. No longer a mere alternative and an also-ran, veggie dishes are increasingly the choice of vegetarians and carnivores alike.
The Vegetarian Society’s seedling logo, used to denote standards of vegetarian excellence has, at last, gained widespread recognition. Restaurants, caterers and retail food outlets, worldwide, are striving to meet the criteria set out by the Vegetarian Society; they want to display the trademark seedling symbol in their establishment. And, the seedling has become the international stamp of vegetarian approval.
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