I was born and raised in London, and I am still unsure of the best place to go for a good vegetarian meal. I live in Seattle now so my trips to London are about one every 18 months or so; and every time I go I look for somewhere good to eat. On my last trip I decided to write down my favorite vegetarian restaurants just so I wouldn’t forget. If you are thinking about London and are concerned about the meat eating habits of the city, don’t worry. Just take the following list along with you, and you won’t go wrong.
Food For Thought:
I love this restaurant. It is right in the heart of Convent Garden on Neal Street, which is also very popular for its apothecary shops.
The restaurant opened in 1974 and has been going strong ever since.
If you are going to the theater, this is an ideal pre-theater place to eat. It is, however, set down some steep stairs and it is quite small inside so it may not be for everyone. I personally think it is charming and the prices are good and the food delicious.
Reservations: No.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 12 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Wait Service: No.
Prices: On the lower side.
Okay For Kids: Yes. Go before opening time if you have small children so you don’t have to line up.
Mildred’s
Mildred’s is set in Soho, which, for those that have never visited London, has a reputation for being seedy. However, times have changed. Soho and it is now one of the most lively and exciting place to be for couples and families alike.
I appreciate the fact that Mildred’s uses fair trade organic coffee, organic milk and soy milk for their drinks. It has been in Soho since 1988 and is still going strong.
Reservations: No. (Get a drink at the bar while waiting.)
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Wait Service: Yes.
Prices: Reasonable for the food.
Good For Kids: Yes.
Blah Blah Blah Vegetarian Restaurant.
This Restaurant is set in Hammersmith by the famous Hammersmith Odeon. Hammersmith is in West London and a fast tube ride away from the theater center. Blah Blah Blah is a very popular place. Even Sir Paul McCartney enjoyed a meal there. Bring your own alcohol and pay a token corkage charge. On the night that I went, there we were given crayons so that we could draw on the tablecloth. … great fun.
It is important to mention that when I was there about nine months ago, they did not accept credit cards.
Reservations: Yes.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Wait Service: Yes.
Prices: Between 10 and 25 pounds. Works out at around $20 – $35.
Good For Kids: Yes.