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Lele’s, Hackney, London

“We believe in good food, and kindness” is Lele’s motto Valentina, the founder, grew up in an Italian culture and wanted to bring this simple, honest approach to food to London.

The setting

Lele’s café is on Hackney’s busy Lower Clapton Rd, only 10 minutes walk from Hackney Central Overground station. There’s also a Lele’s in Dalston which also offers a dinner menu.

The space

Lele’s has a modest exterior and the interior has a welcoming, calming aura. House plants are everywhere – filling the shelves and countertops and mini cacti dot the windowsill-table. Mosaic floor tiles complement the mis-matched, up-cycled tables and stools.  Overall, the ground-floor is bright and airy thanks to large glass windows and a spiral grey staircase leads to a downstairs area with more seating.

What else?

Lele’s has been fully vegan since December 2017.

They also cater at big events and markets like Vegan Nights.. The café is dog-friendly with a jar of free doggy biscuits and water too.

The fresh juice test

Lele’s have a nutritious juice and superfood drinks menu and make all their juices to order. Their green juice was refreshing and light with a great balance between sweet and vegetable-savoury. It was a cooling blend of apple, spinach, lemon and celery.  The Root juice was equally as refreshing, if not a little fiery thanks to the fresh ginger. It was blended with apple, carrot and beetroot and packed with zest and zing.

What we ate

The menu at Lele’s is fully plant-based with options for gluten-free eaters.

As well as the seasonal menu, there’s a selection of fresh patisserie and cakes, sandwiches, bagels and vegan “sausage” rolls and a salad station. We decided to review the giant couscous stuffed roasted red pepper with a side of creamy raw slaw – a blend of walnuts and roasted root vegetables and potatoes.

The set menu offers the best value for sweet and savoury breakfast, brunch and lunch options. From sweet French toast and coconut, banana and chocolate drenched pancakes to porridge bowls, nourish bowls and Lele’s vegan full English. We chose the Marmite Avocado Toast. It was made with thick and chewy sourdough and topped with lashings of Marmite and creamy smashed avocado. It was generously drizzled with tahini, toasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika and a side of rocket. It was packed with flavour and texture and was a delight to eat.

With the sweet selection, we were spoilt for choice. Eventually, we chose their peanut butter cookie and a peanut butter cookie sandwich. A crumbly, chewy oaty cookie studded with big chocolate chips with a more-ish peanut butter flavour and texture. They were huge. The cookie sandwich used the same rich peanut butter bake smeared with thick Biscoff cookie spread for an indulgent treat.

We also tried their Oreo brownie on a staff recommendation. It was deliciously light and moist, quite spongey and topped with crunchy Oreo cookies. Finally, we couldn’t resist the signature chocolate croissant. It was a flaky, “buttery” rich pastry filled with a chocolate spread that melted in the mouth.

It was perhaps the best vegan croissant I’ve tasted – you couldn’t even tell the difference between it and a non-vegan pastry.

 

What we’d go back for…

All the food, cakes and drinks at Lele’s were  so impressive, I would go back in a heartbeat. They also offer monthly afternoon tea events which showcase their beautiful patisserie delights as well as savoury sandwiches with scones, jam and vegan cream.

The bill

Green juice  £4.20
Root juice  £4.20
Salad  £6.50
Marmite avocado toast  £7.50
Peanut butter cookie  £2.00
Peanut butter cookie sandwich  £4.00
Oreo brownie £3.50
Chocolate croissant  £2.00

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By CHLOE., Oxford Circus, Marylebone

By CHLOE., NYC’s vegan fast food sensation, is making serious in roads into the London plant-based scene with their third location in London, just steps from Oxford Circus. By CHLOE. are now truly spreading the love in the UK with their plant-based burgers, pastries and delicious air fried fries (with beetroot ketchup!). As I am a huge fan of By CHLOE. NY,  I was keen to review the central London branch.

The setting

By CHLOE.  Oxford Circus is based next to busy Oxford Street, so certainly super central! A few streets away in Fitzrovia, you can find Glow Bar and Kin.

The space

Outside they have the signature monochrome look of the By CHLOE.s  in the US.

The inside has a canteen kind of vibe, the space is large, black and white striped, with stripped brick walls.

There are lots of chairs and tables of different sizes, plus striped couches and tiny tables where it’s easy to sit on your own.

It’s not the best space to work on your laptop, being much more of a space to get lunch or dinner to go or to quickly eat in – especially with the many office workers nearby. You order your food at the counter and they give you a buzzer, so, when your food is ready, it buzzes to let you know.

I’m going to be very honest here, since I have visited multiple locations in New York and now in London, maybe it’s the ultra busy location, but this branch has more of a fast food vibe (and less of a relaxed vibe) than others. In New York, By CHLOE.  is very much a relaxed brunch spot too.

The crowd

Being so central, expect a different crowd to their other branches.: shopping teenagers, and lots of business men and women from nearby offices.

What we ate

In the UK By CHLOE. has created some “British specials” like toffee pudding and fish and chips, but sadly, due to the busy location, they had run out of those and other options on the menu, so we couldn’t try them out.

I usually have the Caesar salad, which is super tasty! So decided to mix it up with the Thai salad. When the salad came it was sprinkled with crispy wontons, a few pieces of apricot-siracha glazed tempeh and a very few edamame beans. I suspect they were running out of ingredients here too. However,  peanut dressing was super tasty and gave a really lovely Asian twist to the dish.

Next, we had the breakfast platter of scrambled tofu, spinach, a maple sausage, market greens, walnuts and 7 grain toast. Sadly, the tofu was wet and the sausage was burned. However, the toast was well toasted and crunchy with slightly brown edges, just how I like it.

So, after the negativity, good news: the legendary By CHLOE. desserts!

Their sweets are all amazing and you literally will have no idea you’re eating a vegan pastry!

I’ve had their muffins before, and do really recommend them, but the banana bread is definitely my favourite of all. It’s a super thick slice fully loaded with pieces of chocolate and walnuts. The crust has a little crunch and is perfectly baked and not too moist. Also, I had my first pecan cookie and that was a real winner. The cookie was moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside and contained chocolate chips and pecan pieces.

I’m still a big fan of By CHLOE. and I really hope they will get their kitchen better organised at this busy branch, because Tower Bridge and Covent Garden are doing really well.  The guy at the counter was super sweet and really tried to compensate for the lack of menu items and make everyone happy who was eating in.

The bill

Sweet potato fries  £4
Spicy thai salad  £9,95
Early bird platter  £9
Banana bread  £3.60
Cookie, classic pecan  £2.40

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Drake Devonshire, Wellington

The popularity of foodie destination Prince Edward County is often put down to one factor – the opening of the Drake Devonshire Hotel. The country outpost of Toronto’s iconic Drake put laid back Wellington firmly on the map. Today, the picturesque town is packed with cool eateries and shops and the hotel’s café still offers one of the best weekend brunches in town.

The setting

The Drake Devonshire is tucked away down a quiet side street and set directly on the shore of Lake Ontario. It’s handy for the beach and shops.  Nearby local hotspots include the Enid Grace Bakery and La Condesa for authentic Mexican food with lots of plant based options.

The space

The café is set at the back of the hotel with a large outdoor terrace directly overlooking the lake and hotel beach.

The view is stunning and there’s also a large inside dining area. The café gets pretty busy and when we went the service was quite slow due to this.

What else?

The hotel serves non-guests for breakfast, brunch (at the weekends), lunch and dinner. Kids are welcome and there’s free WiFi.

The fresh juice test

The Drake offers two juice blends: a red and a green. We decided to review the red which was a zingy mix of beet, apple and ginger. The green is a combo of cucumber, rocket, spinach apple, ginger and wheat grass.

They also do simple fresh juices like orange, grapefruit and apple.

What we ate

There’s a large choice for vegans and vegetarians. We went for two salads and a side of hummus.

We chose the Tomato and Strawberry salad with pickled beets and rocket drizzled with a delicate lavender and pistachio vinaigrette

(no doubt inspired by the local lavender fields). Next, we had the Baby Gem Caesar. This was a crispy, fresh salad with pickled corn, avocado, croutons and radish, but it didn’t really taste like a caesar salad to us. The hummus was house made and had a lovely taste and texture and the sour dough was perfectly toasted.

What we’d go back for…

The location and the view

The bill

Orange juice  $7
Red juice  $8
Tomato and strawberry salad  $16
Baby gem Caesar  $17
Drake + bake sourdough  $4
+  hummus  $6

 

 

 

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Hibiscus Café, Toronto

Hibiscus Café is a family-run vegetarian café where the buckwheat crêpes are fresh and delicious, the soups and salads are rich and filling and everything is organic and gluten-free.

Bang in the heart of hip Kensington Market, it also serves some of the best vegan ice cream in town.

The setting

Hibiscus Café is on Augusta Ave, one of the main streets in hipster Kensington Market. The area is packed with casual street food cafés, thrift shops and quirky boutiques. Chinatown and the trendy shopping drag of Queen St West are a few blocks away.

The space

There’s a small wooden fenced-in and umbrella covered patio outside. Inside is relatively compact, but home to several wooden tables with Bentwood chairs.

One wall is dark shelving displaying foodie ornaments, the back wall is cool green and the final wall has pretty lit alcoves housing natural objects and prints.

The staff are friendly and very helpful.

What else?

There’s another branch of Hibiscus Café in the Assembly Chef’s Hall opposite the iconic Nathan Phillip’s Square. The portions are large, especially the ice-cream ones and the staff let you try flavours before you buy. The café is committed to sustainable packaging.

The fresh juice test

Hibiscus doesn’t sell juice, but there’s a range of smoothies and kombuchas which come served with a metal straw.

We had the blend of banana, blueberry, canteloupe, kiwi, mango, pear, raspberry and strawberry which was delicious.

What we ate?

The Hibiscus Café sells an array of sweet and savoury buckwheat crepes. You can pair with a soup or salad, but do save room for their innovative dairy-free ice cream.

There’s also a good choice of sweet crêpes, including: home-made chocolate-hazelnut and spread with banana; cinnamon and lemon icing; apple and cinnamon; banana and walnut and home-made vegan dulce de leche and kiwi. Hibisicus also have a selection of mouth-watering gluten-free, vegan cookies, squares and brownies. However, much as we were tempted, we went for the vegan ice-cream, as we couldn’t resist the flavours on offer.

The vegan ice-cream is made in small batches and comes in a cup or GF cone. The ices are made with either coconut, almond or home-made mung bean milk.

We had a double scoop of sea buckthorn and a strawberry and basil. Both were stunningly creamy and delicately favoured.

The bill

Kombucha $5.20
Smoothie $8.00
Savoury Crepe $16.50
Ice cream, double scoop $8.00

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Dirt, Miami

Dirt’s Chef Nicole Votano says “At a lot of healthy places the health comes first and the taste comes after, we’re the opposite.”

The setting

Dirt is in South Beach’s waterfront enclave of Sunset Harbour. The casual café is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, chic shops, high-rise condos and fitness centres.  It’s also just a few blocks from the retail therapy mecca of Lincoln Mall.

The space

The modern grey tiled exterior is pretty much unmissable.

Inside, is a large, light space with a warehouse vibe- polished concrete, industrial touches and metal stools. There’s a selection of shared counters and tables, plus sofa banquettes with cushions lining the walls and windows. Dirt has free WiFi and lots of laptops were out during our visit.

 

What else?

Dirt are keen on inclusivity and do include meat on the menu. You can order a steak sandwich, but it will be grass fed.  Dirt also has branches in Brickell and Arlington.

The fresh juice test

We were totally spoilt for choice.

There’s the local Counter Culture kombucha on tap, the local brand of Radiate Kombucha in cans, Rebirth Elixirs and house-made lemonades including a matcha lavender.

If that’s not enough, they offer tempting vegan ice-cream mylkshakes, honey cardamon lattes and a large selection of Dirt’s own juices and shots.

Despite the various temptations,  we decided to review the Dirt Root juice. It was a cold-pressed blend of beet, apple, carrot ginger and lemon. It was refreshing with a subtle kick. We also had a delicious Radiate Flower Power kombucha favoured with hibiscus flower, lemongrass and lemon juice.

What we ate

Theres quite an extensive menu and an all day breakfast featuring bowls, pancakes and toasts. Plus, soups, sandwiches, tostadas, salads and seasonal plates.

We couldn’t resist the intriguing Grilled Watermelon and Balsamic Toast.

It was a surprisingly delicious combination of watermelon, lemon-zested Greek yogurt (there are vegan alternatives), blueberries, balsamic reduction, honey, toasted sunflower seeds, Maldon sea salt, Harpke Family Farm Farm sprouts and Zak the Baker bread.

Next we had the So-Cal Burrito. This was a filling portion of  scrambled cage-free eggs, pepper jack cheese, sautéed onions, organic quinoa and “Dirty” de gallo all rolled in a spinach tortilla wrap and served with pickled onions and house-made salsa verde (there’s also a chipotle option). Although the portion was large, it was quite bland, so maybe we should have ordered the chipotle sauce with it.  Finally, we had the Vegan Creamed Spinach. The spinach was cooked with house-made garlic cashew cream, almond “Parmesan” and grape tomatoes. The cashew cream was delicious.

The little things

Dirt has four menus: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Paleo.

Plus, they break down the nutritional components of each dish on their menu  into calories, protein, fat and carbs.

What we’d go back for…

The vegan ice-cream mylkshakes…

The bill

Root juice  $8
Kombucha [canned]  $6
Grilled watermelon + balsamic toast  $12
So-cal burrito  $12.5
Vegan creamed spinach  $6

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Enid Grace Café, Wellington, Ontario

Every morning at 7.30am a queue forms outside a bakery in the small town of Wellington, Prince Edward County. The reason for the daily ritual? The range of fresh baked breads and goodies prepared by local woman, Enid Grace.

The hotspot in question is the Enid Grace Café, whose founder began selling from a food truck and then progressed to this pretty café and bakery. Her baked goods are famous across the county and a sell out sensation…  and she also makes the best French toast we’ve ever tasted.

The setting

The Enid Grace Café is on the quiet Main St in Wellington, a short walk from Lake Ontario with its clear water and rocky beaches.

The area is surrounded by wineries, farm shops and lavender fields.

The space

There’s a small eating area inside – think pale woods, grey walls and vintage lamps. Outside, is a seasonal terrace set back from the quiet road with umbrellas and pot plants. You order at the bar and there’s free WiFi. Plus, there’s a small shop at the back of the café selling cookery items, local honey, coffee and Enid Grace aprons and tote bags.

What else?

Everything is based on the Italian café model of first come first served.

The food is intended to sell out daily eliminating food waste and ensuring freshness.

The impressive range of continental breads includes GF options. The café caters for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters and sells out most days.

The fresh juice test

The Enid Grace Café is best known for coffees, however they also offer a creamy turmeric latte and local bottled juices. We tried the apple cider (non-alcoholic) which was sweet with a hint of tartness.

What we ate

Given the iconic status of the bread, we by-passed the selection of fruit plates and granola and ordered two dishes both made with Pain De Mie. A French Toast and a Croque Madame which are both available in a GF form.

The French Toast was soaked in custard and came with a choice of lemon curd or maple syrup. It was topped off with a cascade of fresh berries with had a jug of maple syrup on the side. It was quite simply the fluffiest, tastiest French bread we’ve ever had.

The Croque Madame was equally impressive.

We ordered the vegetarian version without country ham.  It was soaked in bechamel sauce, coated in melted gruyere and then topped with two eggs. On the side came a leafy side salad with a lovely dressing. It was very filling, but not too heavy.

What we’d go back for…

Everything!

The bill

Apple juice $3.50
French toast  $11
Croque Madame  $12

 

 

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Simple Healthy Food, Miami

Miami is packed with high profile, glitzy cafés, but if you want simple healthy food, we suggest this local’s favourite on 6th.

Simple Healthy Food is led by two sisters, Shakti and Anto, and is packed with locals. Using mainly organic, local ingredients, they serve superfood bowls, organic açai bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, salads, paninis and more.

The setting

Simple Healthy Food is on 6th near Washington and just a few blocks from Lummus Park and the beach.

The space

The café is compact and colourful.

The walls are covered in artwork and a large botanical themed sign, Eat Simple, dominates the space.

You can eat at the bar or at the counter overlooking the street. There’s free WiFi and the staff are very helpful. Fruit infused water is free and the menu is very good value for South Beach. The vibe is friendly and casual.

The fresh juice test

The café has a choice of six freshly squeezed juices, six smoothies and shakes and six superfood smoothies.

We had the Morning in the Tropics Juice which was a refreshing mix of orange, beet, carrot and ginger in a pretty recycled jar.

What we ate

There’s a large breakfast menu of toasts and bowls, plus salads, Buddha bowls and wraps for lunch. We decided to review the Dragon fruit bowl. It came in a large ceramic bowl and was a combination of raw organic dragon fruit blended with banana and strawberries topped with granola, chia seeds, coconut, banana, raspberry and blueberries. It was delicious and a great sized portion.

We also chose the Organic Avocado Toast which was two slices of toast with organic avocado paste , fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil.

It tasted really fresh and the mozzarella was delicious.

What we’d go back for..

The juice, the fresh food and the casual, local vibe.

The bill

Juice  $6.60
Dragon fruit bowl  $10.50
Avocado toast  $8.90

 

 

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Fresh on Spadina, Toronto

It’s easy to eat a plant-based diet in Canada’s capital of cool, Toronto, but the Fresh chain takes vegan eating to the next level.

Fresh has five innovative vegan cafés across the city, each offering a massive selection of plant-powered dishes: from mouth-watering burritos and burgers; to innovative salads and tacos.

Fresh began twenty years ago, with a mission to prove that a plant-powered diet could be undeniably satisfying, energising and delicious.

From our experience at the Spadina branch, it still takes its mission statement seriously.

The setting

Set on one of Toronto’s main arteries, Spadina, the café is close to the junction of Queen Street West with its cool shops. It’s across the street from instagram magnet Graffiti Alley and hip Kensington Market is a 10 minute walk away.

The space

Fresh has a fenced off outdoor seating terrace with plants which is good for people watching. Inside, there’s a large, light dining area with oversized lamps and hip wallpaper complementing the pale wooden tables and floor. You can also sit on stools at the long, black and white tiled bar. It has an elegant, relaxed vibe.

What else?

There are four more branches on Bloor, Eglington, Front and Crawford.

Fresh also do take-aways and have a regular and GF menu and free WiFi. The staff are amazingly helpful.

 

The fresh juice test

As you enter Fresh, you can’t miss the juice selection. The fridge is stacked with rainbow coloured options in large, recyclable glass bottles. Each one contains 3 lbs or 10 servings of fruit and veg. Plus there’s power shakes, smoothies and kombucha cocktails.

We decided to review the Vitamin C elixir – a beta carotene boost balanced by spicy sweet citrus carrot, orange, lemon, apple and cayenne.

It was one of the best juices we’ve ever had – fresh, not too sweet and with a welcome kick of spice. Next, we tried the Passionfruit Schizandra. It was a mix of cold pressed organic lemon, sparkling mineral water and craft ginger kombucha. It was refreshing and tasty. Schizandra is an adaptogenic berry which boasts anti-inflammatory properties.

What we ate

The menu at Fresh is extensive. We decided to review the salads and weren’t disappointed. We ordered the Farro and Feta. The salad was a combo of marinated farro (an ancient grain), baby arugula, seeds, vegan feta, chick peas, tomatoes, red onions, cucumber and red pepper with a bold lemon dressing. The texture was perfect and it was very filling.

Next, the Supergreen Caesar which was packed with greens, mixed lettuce, tempeh bacon, edamame, scallions, cucumber, sun-dried tomato and sunflower nori gomashio .

It was topped off with a tahini caesar dressing which was a stroke of genius taste-wise.

We added  some perfectly crispy tofu cubes from the large selection of add ons. The portions are large and the staff offer doggy bags if you can’t finish. For desert, we got a take-away Strawberry Swirl smoothie. It was a layered, icy  combo of strawberries, coconut milk and banana.

What we’ll be back for…

Fresh also has an enticing brunch menu of pancakes, platters and waffles. We need to try them all.

The bill

Vitamin C elixir  $11
Passionfruit schizandra  $9
Farro and feta  $17
Supergreen caesar $16
crispy tofu + $4
Strawberry swirl  $9

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The Avocado factory, Canggu

The Avocado Factory is famous Bali-wide for its innovative avocado-inspired menu: the 21st century’s trendiest way to get your 5-a-day.

This top vegan friendly café  offers some revolutionary dishes from green matcha pancakes to decadent chocolate-avo mousse. All made from fresh locally sourced produce.

Created by the distinguished international chef Emilio Bean, this unique café concept is the first of its kind in Asia.

The setting

The Avocado Factory is in the heart of Bali’s hip beach town Canggu, which has a relaxed Australian surfer vibe. The district brims with swimwear and surfboard stores as well as vegan cafés and smoothie bars.

The space

The outside is clad in foliage with the signature avocado-shaped sign. There are several tables to choose from. It offers fast and friendly service as well as a good WiFi connection. Grab a seat on the bar directly overlooking the rice paddies, or sit outside and soak up the Indonesian sunshine. Decor-wise, there are crates of pineapples and other tropical fruit on display and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs create and decorate each tantalising dish.
The crowd has a distinctly young demographic, which enhances the laid back ambiance, with many tourists from Australia, America and the UK.

The fresh juice test

To drink, we got the green juice – a refreshing blend of apple, kale, celery, cucumber, lemon and ginger.

Next, we had to review the thick chocolate smoothie made from cacao, banana, chia seeds, vegan protein, coconut water and, you guessed it, avocado!

They also offer health shots made from ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, turmeric and spirulina.

What we ate

The Avocado Factory serves meat and fish, but also caters for vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets.

We chose the avocado-hummus open sandwich, which included crunchy roasted chickpeas, green peas, radish and a beautifully crafted avocado rose, served on seeded sourdough toast.

We also ordered the spicy smashed avocado with chilli, grilled mushrooms and a runny poached egg on black rye sourdough.

What we’d go back for…

The restaurant is 98% plastic free and uses straws made out of cassava. Plus, all the food and drink packaging is eco-friendly.

The bill

Avo hummus  64,000 IDR
Spicy mash with egg 58,000 IDR
Soy capuccino  45,000 IDR
Detox juice 35,000 IDR
Cacao elixir  49,000 IDR
Still water 25,00 IDR

 

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Maison Nomade, Paris

Need a vegetarian café in Paris where you can eat well and relax close to the Eurostar? The motto of Maison Nomade is meditate, eat and treat.  It’s open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, promotes zero waste and offers yoga classes on site!

The setting

Maison Nomade is in the 10th arrondissement close to Gare de l’Est with the Gare Du Nord also nearby. The café is extremely handy for commuters and Eurostar passengers. But the area is also known for pickpockets, so do take care of your belongings.

The space

The café feels more like Bali than Paris and you instantly relax when you walk in.

You will find the décor is soothing whites and pale wood.  Outside is a terrace bordered by plants and there are heating lamps for the cooler months.

The furniture inside is quite boho with sofas, chairs, pillows and hanging plants. There’s a lot of of tables inside, some shared,  so there’s plenty of  space to eat, and work. The WiFi is good.  At the bar they display freshly baked cakes and pastries. I couldn’t take my eyes off them!

The fresh juice test

The café offers a range of healthy juices and teas. We decided to review the Vitaminasana juice.

 

It was a bright blend of carrots, orange, lemon and ginger.

It is one of my favourite combinations, as it contains vegetables, but you don’t notice because of the sweetness of the orange.

What we ate

Maison Nomade serves vegetarian food with a lot of vegan and gluten free options (clearly marked on the menu).  At the weekend there’s a special brunch menu; and for lunch  and breakfast during the week they have a  fixed menu, which is typically French.

We ordered a Full Nomade menu fixé which comes with a choice of a bowl, a drink and dessert.  The choice was the Nomade bowl, curry or the Mexican bowl. We went for the Nomade bowl which was a mix of roasted butternut squash, sweet potato fries, quinoa, kimchi made off red cabbage, avocado and sukkah (we skipped the labneh). It was warm and delicious and very filling with a generous portion of quinoa.

For desert, we picked the carrot cake. It was vegan and gluten free, moist on the inside due to the grated carrots, walnuts and raisins. It was topped with some very sugary icing, but the cake wasn’t too sweet. We chose a home-made lemonade for the final part of our menu. It contained lemon, ginger and a little hint of agave. It was not sweet.

As well as the fixed menu, we also had an açaï bowl, a plat du jour and the Vitaminasana bowl. The açai bowl was delicious.  It contained cherries, dragon fruit and açai.

It was pretty sweet, but had an intense berry flavour which we really liked.

The bowl was topped off with fresh bananas, blueberries, homemade granola, coconut chips and puffed crisps.

The plat du jour was pretty special.  The base was coconut curried rice with raisins. Next was a layer of eggplant and zucchini tempura. It was not oily, but  perfectly crispy – with some super spicy warm grilled tomatoes. Finally, a layer of sprouts added the perfect finish in touch making the dish complete for me.

The little things that make the difference

You can book yoga classes at Maison Nomade. Check the website for the schedules.

The bill

Full Nomade  19EU
Açaï bowl  9EU
Plat du jour  12EU
Vitaminasana  6EU

 

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Cuppa Café de Salon, Paris

Visiting Paris and need a vegan café? They are not always easy to find so we’ve saved you time by tracking down a hidden gem- Cuppa Café de Salon tucked away on the Left Bank of the Seine. They are known across Paris for their coffee, but their vegan food is equally amazing.

The location

Cuppa Café de Salon is in the 7th arrondissement, behind the Musée d’Orsay. It’s near the Solférino metro stop or you can take bus 84 and 94 to Solférino. The iconic Café de Flore is near by, but there are no healthy hotspots in the area. So Cuppa Café is a clear winner if you need a healthy meal in Paris.

The space

Cuppa is very compact. Outside, there are two tables on either side of the door next to the windows. Inside, there are three tables, plus a couch.  All the furniture is made of stylish dark wood. The bar is dominated by their coffee machine and a delicious pastry display.

They make all the food behind the bar fresh. The service is very quick and the music is chilled. As there’s little space, it’s not the best place to take out your laptop.

The fresh juice test

The café sells teas and coffees, plus coconut water, single freshly squeezed juices and a juice of the day.

We decided to review the juice of the day, which was a blend of grapefruit, pomegranate, blueberries and strawberries.

I loved the bitterness of the grapefruit coming together with the sweetness of the strawberries.

What we ate

Cuppa Café de Salon is almost fully 100% plant based. All the food is vegan except the pain au chocolat – because why would a French person change that? Their signature dish is avocado on toast which comes with their homemade bread, and two different kinds of hummus.

We ordered the Tartine Fromage and, wow, the plant based cream cheese topping was totally delicious!

We also ordered a bowl of yoghurt and a bundt cake. The tartine came on delicious, home made, gluten-free bread.  It had a thick layer of their homemade cashew and almond cream cheese with a little agave. On top of the cheese were thinly sliced green apples, raspberries, blueberries, edible flowers and some chopped pecans, almonds and pistachios. The flavours were all there. It was a perfect balance between sweet and savoury.

The yoghurt was just as pretty. Like the bread, they made their yoghurt in-house. It’s mix of soy and coconut and the hint of coconut gave it a flavour explosion which perfectly combined with their homemade gluten-free pistachio cardamon granola. They told us they sourced the pistachios from Italy, because they have more flavour . On top of the granola was a beautiful selection of thinly sliced nectarines, strawberries, apples, blueberries, coconut chips, edible flowers and some yuzu zest. I travel a lot and have tasted many cuisines and healthy dishes all over the world, but their combination of flavours was absolutely amazing!

The Bundt cake was a mix of a normal cake with chocolate running through it.  On top was a drizzled chocolate glaze, edible flowers and chopped nuts. The cake was the perfect dessert for our lunch.

What we’d go back for…

Although they take so much care of the presentation of the food, It’s the flavours that make it a real winner.

The bill

Granola maison pistache 9,50EU
Tartine fromage 12,50EU
Bundt cake marbré 5EU
Jus du jour 7EU

 

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Avo Brothers, Milan

Looking for a plant-based or vegan café in Milan? Avo Brothers is a new experience totally dedicated to avocados. As well as celebrating all things avocado, they offer an American brunch style menu serving meat and fish alongside a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Avo Brothers is also responsible for an Italian first – they sell the revolutionary Beyond Meat burger.

The setting

Avo Brothers is in Porto Vittoria. Take tram 9 or 19 or bus 12 or 27 to Piaza Cinque Giornate, a five minute walk away.  The café is next to the beautiful church Santa Maria Del Suffragio and Muzzi, the healthy breakfast and salad bar.

The space

Avo Brothers is painted a vibrant green so you can’t miss it.  There are two large tables outside and inside there are padded emerald banquettes and velvet sofas galore.

The walls are decorated with mirrors and avocado themed paintings and the large, bright space has small marble tables and a massive sharing table.

If you go at lunchtime you will find it gets quite crowded, There is WiFi, but you should avoid working at busy times.

 

The fresh juice test

Avo Brothers have energy shots and juices, but they are known for their signature rainbow lattes. We had to try one, or two.

We ordered the raspberry chai latte and a butterfly blue latte with oat milk, both in great sized cups.

The lattes were very sweet, maybe a little bit too sweet for my taste. The raspberry one tasted like the Dutch sweets I used to eat when I was little. The staff suggested  we get the oat milk as it froths the best, but there’s also coconut, almond and soy mylk on offer.

What we ate

Avo Brothers serves plant based guilt free food and also caters for meat eaters.  The menu stretches from pancakes to smoothie bowls; from salad bowls with a side of sweet potato fries to meat- free burgers.

We decided to review the classic avocado toast on sweet potato, the açai bowl, the botanical bowl, some sweet potato fries, plus the guilt free brownie

The avocado toast came on three sweet potato slices. It had half an avocado on top sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds.  We also added scrambled eggs, which were made with almond mylk instead of regular. The sweet potatoes were nice and soft and the avocado was was perfectly ripe. We loved the idea of substituting the toast with sweet potato.

Açai is pretty rare in Italy and the açai bowl was a real winner. You can top it with honey, granola and peanut butter for free. The granola is delicious and crunchy, but not too sugary. The bowl was finished off with berries and coconut.

The Botanical Bowl comes with lettuce, carrot, avocado broccoli, mushrooms, cucumber, edamame beans and beetroot hummus with sesame and chia seeds on top. The veg were nice and crispy, not overdone, but the bowl was not overly large.

Next, we had the best, most crispiest sweet potato fries I’ve ever been served – along with some paprika aioli, which was plant based. The sweet potato fries were super crispy, but not oily at all. The dipping sauce had a really mayonnaise-y kind of texture which perfectly matched the hint of paprika powder.

Finally, we had the guilt free brownie to share. The brownie is vegan, but it is still super chewy. On top it was layered with crushed walnuts and powdered sugar.

The little things that make the difference

The bathroom is full of cute avocado paintings.  We love!

The bill

Avo Toast    €5.50
+ scrambled egg  €1.50
Açai  €8
Botanical bowl (Large) €12
Sweet potato fries  €4
Guilt free brownie  €2.50
Raspberry chai latte with oat milk €3
Butterfly blue latte €3

 

 

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Stem and Glory, Barbican

Looking for a plant-based meal in the Barbican? “Delicious enough to turn anyone vegan” is how Stem and Glory describe themselves. Voted best vegan restaurant in the capital by Design My Night, Stem and Glory is a must visit vegan café.

The setting

A short walk from either Barbican or St Paul’s tube station, Stem and Glory is tucked away in Barts Square. Mid-week it is popular with city workers.  At the weekend, it’s a great spot for a quiet and relaxed brunch or lunch with friends.

The space

Take a seat at one of the tables for two along the roadside or relax indoors.

You will find light grey washed tables, minimalist furnishings and lots of greenery decorating the ceiling and bar area.

The interior is modern, light and airy and the floral pattern on the windows accentuates the plants. There’s a large choice of tables and you can also unwind near the bar where they serve fine vegan cocktails, mocktails, craft beer and wines.

What else?

Stem and Glory also have an award winning restaurant in Cambridge.

The fresh juice test

We decided to review the Classic Detox Juice – one of four juices and smoothies on the menu.

It’s a bright and vibrant blend of cucumber, ginger, lime and apple.

Not too sweet and not too tangy,  it’s served with a paper straw and an edible flower. We also tried the more indulgent Chocolate Mocha – a clever cross between a smoothie and an iced coffee. The blend of banana, espresso, cacao and almond milk creates a really smooth and creamy drink finished with coffee beans.

What we ate

Everything at Stem and Glory is made fresh on the premises by a talented team of chefs. They change the dishes regularly to make the best of seasonal ingredients. We visited on a Saturday and the weekend brunch menu has some extra dishes that you won’t find mid-week. We tried their Vegan English Breakfast on the waitress’s recommendations. It was full of comforting vegan breakfast essentials- sticky sweet and smoky tempeh bacon, soft scrambled tofu, house-made baked beans, guacamole and crispy mushrooms served with toasted sourdough bread.

We also chose the RainBowl. It was packed with a rainbow of colours: green spiralised cucumber, smashed avocado, orange and purple carrot sticks, roasted beetroot slices, black and salty nori tapenade, baked butternut squash pieces and a watercress salad drizzled with a chipotle mayonnaise.

The star of the bowl was the crispy and thin seedy crackers packed with chia seeds, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.

What we’d go back for…

The service at Stem and Glory was great, with very attentive and knowledgeable staff. Next time, I will try one of the four desserts on offer which inclulde Chocolate Almond Cake, Triple-Layered Raspberry Cheesecake, Mango Cheesecake with Rich Cashew base and Ice Cream with Fruit Coulis.

The bill

Vegan English Breakfast  £12.50
RainBowl  £10.50
Classic Detox Juice  £5.00
Chocolate Mocha  £6.00

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Paradise Plantbased

Paradise Plantbased began as a raw food stall in 2014, before setting down roots in Kensal Rise in 2018. Lithuanian-born Egle owns and runs the café. She avoids using refined flours, sugars, oils and salts as well as offering an extensive range of raw and gluten-free options. Her motto is “Freshness and soul are at the heart of all that we do.”

The setting

You can find it just a short walk from either Kensal Rise or Kensal Green station and close to one of our favourite flower shops, Scarlet and Violet which is well worth a visit on the way. The pretty pastel exterior of Paradise Plantbased stands out so you won’t miss it.

The space

Walking into Paradise Plantbased is like stepping into a tropical haven . Palm trees are splashed across the walls, green plants hang from the ceiling and vast plant pots dot the café. The furniture, wall hangings and cutlery trays are all upcycled and painted by hand.

You’re greeted with a gorgeous display of raw and baked cakes, a salad buddha bowl station and a snack shelf for the chocoholics.

You’ll also find a well-stocked fridge full of gut-healthy fermented foods, drinks and waters as well as a pantry wall, packed with gluten free flours, nut butters, chocolate spreads and cereals for sale.

 

The fresh juice test

The smoothie menu at Paradise Plantbased is extensive.  We had two. The Ziggy Smoothie was packed with mango, papaya, ginger, turmeric and coconut water – a vibrant and smooth drink. Then the Green ‘N’ Mean Smoothie which was surprisingly light and refreshing. It was made with kale, spinach, pear, avocado, celery, lime, mint and coconut water but didn’t taste very “green” despite the abundance of raw vegetables and fruit.

What we ate

From açai bowls to burgers, raw pizzas to posh mac ‘no’ cheese and with any combination of smoothies and hot drinks, you’re spoilt for choice.

We had the Apple Pancakes with chocolate sauce which were delightfully light and fluffy thanks to the Khorasan flour. We had to review their signature Paradise Breakfast plate, which features with home-made sunseed sausages, a baked bean filled avocado rose, mushrooms, sourdough toast and umami rich silky scrambled ackee. The ackee was definitely a highlight.

We also tried their Bagel and Beans – a wholemeal bagel loaded with home-made smoky beans, crunchy spicy coconut chip clusters, fresh tomatoes and slices of avocado.

The creamy cashew cheese sauce on top was a real winner here. We also sampled a small buddha bowl of sweet potato wedges, crunchy chickpeas and garlicky green beans which was great.

The dessert fridge was fully stocked with raw cheesecakes, baked cookies and protein balls and truffles. We tried the Chocoholic Raw Cheesecake which was a quadruple layered cheesecake of nutty hazelnut base and a creamy rich chocolate cashew-based cheesecake layer. We also tried their baked Chocolate Brownie Cake complete with edible flowers – delicious!

What we’d go back for

We would definitely go back for the original and homemade touch to each dish, the striking interior and the amazing array of handmade vegan bakes and raw cakes.

The bill

Apple pancakes  £8.50
Paradise breakfast  £11.00
Bagel and beans  £9.00
Small buddha bowl  £4.00
Ziggy smoothie  £6.00
Green ‘N’ Mean smoothie  £6.00
Chocolate brownie  £4.50
Chocoholic raw cheesecake  £4.60

 

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Organic Market, Marbella

Organic Market is Marbella’s top destination for a plant-powered brunch. They promote plant-based, organic eating and a chemical free approach to food. You can pick from their colourful superfood smoothies, or pile your plate high with nutritious veg from the salad bar, or simply pop in for a vegan cacao brownie and a quinoa croissant.

 

The setting

Located off the main road in the heart of Marbella, Organic Market is near the hip Marbella Club Hotel. You will find stylish hotels and cafés. The area is fairly quiet for most of the year but turns into a buzzing hotspot for tourists during summer.

The space

At Organic Market we loved the interior.

Matching green plants are printed on the wallpaper, sofas and cushions. There are mirrors, fresh greenery and wooden tables everywhere.

We sat outside on the bamboo-style wicker chairs to make the most of the Spanish sunshine. There are shady umbrellas and plenty of indoor seating too. The table service is fast and friendly and the WiFi connection allows you to get your laptop out and tap away while sipping on a matcha latte and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

What else?

Loved by tourists, you’ll overhear at least a few different languages being spoken at Organic Market – lots of English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. In peak Summer season, it gets very busy, so you should make a reservation to be on the safe side. Although, the sizeable amount of seating means you’ll probably manage to get a table.

The fresh juice test

We decided to review also their signature green juice- the Victoria’s Secret. It  was made on-site from a refreshing blend of courgette, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale and lemon. You will love it!

What we ate

Organic Market has a range of organic plant-based, meaty, gluten-free and dairy-free options, catering for anyone and everyone.

We ordered the smashed avocado with edamame beans on seeded protein bread, as well as the Eggs Florentine – onions, potatoes and poached eggs served on a bed of spinach pancakes. Both dishes were delicious and beautifully presented on wooden boards. The Choco-nuts brownie was crammed with pecans and pistachios and was equally yummy.

The little things that make the difference

You can enjoy browsing the BioShop inside.You will find health food products from a variety of established and emerging brands.

Stock up on delicious raw chocolate, gluten-free cereals, olive oils, energy bars, kale chips, seeded crackers and so much more.

Plus, there’s a choice of healthy snacks such as raw chocolate, nut butters and gluten-free granola.

The bill

Victoria’s Secret  €8
Cappuccino  €3.50
Choco-nuts brownie  €6
Eggs florentine  €11
Avocado toast  €7

To book your trip to Marbella with our partners Expedia click here. 

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Wave, Hackney

WAVE stands for We Are Vegan Everything and is the brainchild of cupcake queens Cait and Soph. Their company ‘Cupcakes and Shhht’ is renowned for frosted cupcakes and cookie sandwiches. The duo created WAVE to offer good, honest and delicious food. The café is proudly fully vegan and on a mission to prove that vegan food is the future.

The setting

WAVE is a 5-minute walk from Hackney Central overground station. Set in a private courtyard with wide, bright glass doors and windows, the café has a large indoor and outdoor seating area.

The space

Outdoors the wooden tables are surrounded by small stools as well as a gorgeous ground seating area covered in patterned rugs, comfy cushions and cosy throws. Or you can relax in their numerous hanging egg chairs.  There are two outside and two hammock chairs inside too.

The light and airy nature of the café has a chilled-out Bali beach vibe.

There are cosy wooden sofas, plush pillows and lots of greenery – plants in vases, flowers on the tables and green foliage dotting the seating areas.

Inside you are welcomed with a well-stocked counter top of fresh sourdough cheese stuffed sandwiches, vegan cream and faux-salmon bagels as well as a selection of bakes, raw bakes and power snacks.

The fresh juice test

All the juices at WAVE are made in house. The Goodness Gracious Green is a vibrant  mix – a not too sweet blend of spinach, apple, spirulina, cucumber, lemon and ginger. It is a real refresher and feels packed with goodness.

We also had the Himalayan salted coffee which comes with oat milk as standard, as do all the hot drinks at WAVE. It tasted just like caramel. Served like a latte, rich and creamy, it tasted unique!

What we ate

The menu at WAVE is extensive with every dish sounding – and looking – delicious.

Decorated with edible flowers, fresh herbs and nuts and seeds, each dish is presented in beautiful stoneware crockery.

We chose the famous Brekky Bowl – a buddha bowl style breakfast feast. It’s filled with organic turmeric scrambled tofu with chives and black salt, basil toasted plum tomatoes, garlic and parsley fried mushrooms, smoky aubergine and avocado served with a fresh wedge of lemon, chilli flakes, mixed seeds, walnuts and rocket.  The dish is gluten-free and packed with flavour. The sticky glazed aubergine was the real highlight of the bowl.

We also had the Mac and Cheese – a creamy and light macaroni pasta in a vegan cheesy sauce topped with roasted tomatoes and broccoli, crispy kale, rich umami coconut bacon and fresh micro herbs.

We spotted slices of pink frosted strawberry and pistachio cake, thickly-stuffed cookie sandwiches, raw berry cheesecakes and peanut butter chocolate slices.

We chose the sticky and generously glazed cinnamon roll. It was subtly sweet and filled with so much cinnamon. Light and fluffy with a silky-smooth glaze, this bun is the perfect afternoon delight.

What we’d go back for

The staff are really friendly and informative, adding an inviting touch to the already incredible eatery.

The bill

Greens juice £5.00
Brekky bowl  £12.50
Mac and cheese £10.00
Salted coffee £3.50
Cinnamon roll £3.50

 

 

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Feya, Marylebone

Feya is famous for its pastel décor, butterflies, white blossoms and glistening fairy lights. It’s such a must-visit for locals, bloggers and tourists alike that Amy and I decided to visit and do Glowcation’s first joint review.

It’s run by Zahra Khan, a chef and graduate of Gordon Ramsay’s Tante Marie Culinary Academy. The impressive brunch menu was designed by Virpi Mikkonen, a Finnish author and the blogger behind Vanelja.

The setting

Feya is on St. James Street in Marylebone, just a stone’s throw from St Christopher’s Place and Selfridges. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy crowds of Oxford Street.

The space

From the outside, you can’t miss the iconic cherry blossom trees and glass cake stands in the window.

The floral theme continues inside, with golden butterflies on the pastel pink walls.

Dusky pink chairs and velvet couches add to the elegant atmosphere. There are small marble-top tables and golden cutlery. The quick turnaround of tables means you’re likely to get a seat. But don’t expect to get your laptop out and spend the day there. In particularly busy times, you can choose grab and go. We love the aqua algae or emerald matcha with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk.

 

The fresh juice test

Feya has a selection of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. With so many options to choose from, we eventually decided to review the the layered Mermaid Smoothie. It features dragon fruit, zucchini and blue spirulina and it was delicious. We also had to try one of their six speciality lattes – the pretty Pearl Rose latte with oat milk.

What we ate

The brunch menu has the most choice.

We ordered the Be Gentle – pink oats, caramel chia pudding, mashed rose raspberries, banana flowers and rose petals.

In addition, we tried the Pastel Rainbow Smoothie – a two-tone smoothie bowl with pineapple, banana, spirulina, pitaya and coconut milk, topped with crunchy granola, edible flowers and fresh fruit.

 

While there are several vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, the menu also caters to non-vegans, with dishes such as chicken cobb salad, pesto pasta and a goat’s cheese quiche. The signature dish is avocado toast where the avocado is carved into roses on a bed of hot pink hummus dyed with beetroot. However, the bread which it comes on does contain dairy. The food at Feya is relatively pricey, but is very good quality and stunningly presented.

The little things that make the difference

The decoration is undoubtedly the most outstanding factor of Feya and is what draws people in from near and far.

The bill

Be Gentle  £8.50
Pastel Rainbow Smoothie  £10.70
Mermaid Smoothie  £8.50
Pearl Rose Latte  £5.50

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It’s Pleat, White City

Mention H&M and you would be forgiven for thinking fast fashion and hot homeware. But now the Swedish trendsetter is taking on plant-based brunch and super lattes at their Westfield flagship store with It’s Pleat.

It’s Pleat, is an in-store café serving healthy breakfasts, lunches and treats throughout store opening hours. Plus everything is packaged in plant based, decomposable materials.

The setting

Set in the heart of the Westfield White City shopping centre, It’s Pleat adds a corner of  serenity the shopping mall. The café is H&M’s first in the UK, and their fourth globally. The first was launched in Stockholm in 2018.

Once inside, you’d have no idea that you were in a mega shopping centre. The café is kitted out with plants, marble and blush pink furniture and feels very calm.

The space

Even though this is a grab-and-go style set up, the café is well equipped for  eating in. They have super comfortable chairs and beautiful interiors and they also provide bronzed cutlery and stunning crockery for you to transfer your food onto, so you’re not eating out of a take-away box.

The little things that make a difference

They have seeded crackers by the counter for you to try whilst you’re paying. You can’t go wrong with a pre-lunch snack!

I also loved the fact they have a range of cookery and Lagom (move over Hygge) books dotted around for customers to flick through whilst enjoying their lunch.

The fresh juice test

I decided to review the green juice. It was really refreshing and contained 40% cucumber and so it wasn’t too sweet. As well as the cucumber,  it was loaded with apple, spinach, lemon and ginger. For me,  it could have done with a little bit more ginger for a real kick, but other than that it was very delicious.

What we ate

We had the rainbow salad which was beetroot tri-colour quinoa, with roasted turmeric cauliflower, three different types of hummus (sweet potato, beetroot and herby hummus), avocado and picked carrots and onions.

The salad was packed with a load of spices, textures, colours and flavours.

It was thoroughly enjoyable and well flavoured. I would definitely order it again. They also have a range of soups, sandwiches, salads and wraps meaning there really is something for everyone.

We also got the seaweed seeded cracker topped with beetroot hummus, which aside from being very aesthetically pleasing was absolutely delicious. The smooth hummus worked really well with the crunchy cracker.

Finally, we got a matcha latte. As a self-confessed matcha addict, I’ve tried my fair share of matchas around London and if I may go so far as to say this is one of the best I’ve had. It’s Pleat also offer a golden latte and a blush latte.

We passed on the sweet treats, although they had a large selection of energy balls, cakes, cookies and snacks to grab and go.

What we’d go back for…

If you’re an interior nerd, then you’ll be blown away by the bathrooms. They’re kitted out with blush pink floor tiles and pink walls. The plants are also a really soothing addition. The chilled music was a lovely edition to the calm vibes and quiet setting. I would really recommend visiting especially if you want a healthy option in Westfield and can’t wait to go back!

The bill

Rainbow salad  £7.90
Matcha latte  £3.90
Green juice  £3.70
Flatbread with beetroot hummus  £1.90

For more WestLondon inspiration click here. 

 

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Our favourite Glowcations, Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of our favourite cities. It’s packed with canals, art galleries, flower markets and museums. However, what attracts us most is the cool vibe and the huge choice of plant-based food. The selection of vegetarian and vegan cafés can be quite daunting. Luckily, two of our Glowstars, Fabienne Dobbe and Fleur Maat are local and Dutch, so we can really narrow down your hit list. Here’s our top three must visit vegan and vegetarian cafés in Amsterdam.

Lavinia Good Food, Centrum

Lavinia Good Food is a hidden gem in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Sat on the pretty Kerkstraat, between two canals, it is charming, laid back and serves a mean gluten-free pizza. The food is mostly vegetarian and vegan, but they also have some salmon dishes if you eat fish.

Lavinia has an all day brunch and lunch menu with lattes, juices, cocktails, beers and organic wines.

We suggest  ordering The Lavinia bowl with whole grain cous cous, roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, pickled red cabbage and home made hummus. Model Fabienne thinks the vegan vanilla pie is “a must! ”

To read more about Lavinia Good Food click here.

Juice Brothers, several locations

Our favourite spot for a vitamin packed juice is Juice Brothers. Founded in 2015 by four friends on a canal holiday, it’s now a huge success and has  several branches in Amsterdam, plus two in New York. We love their Haarlemmerbuurt branch with its view of the iconic ”Willemsbrug”. The café and grab and go is modern and minimal. You order at the bar and the eating area is upstairs.

Juice Brothers have a mega choice when it comes to drinks: ten juices, three tonics, three mylks, six shots and ten smoothies! We suggest the Unicorn’s Blood – a fresh and spicy mix of watermelon, pineapple, ginger and lemon.

And there’s the smoothie bowls… all the smoothie and açai bowls are made with made with non dairy organic products. We love their signature bowl the Almond açai.

Finally, they sell Van Leeuwen the vegan ice-cream brand. Fabienne and Fleur suggest grabbing one to go. Plant-based heaven.

To read more about Juice Brothers click here. 

The Meets, De Pijp

The Meets is in the Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s coolest neighbourhoods, packed with cafés and home to  the Albert Cuypmarkt street market.
This brick walled café focuses on locally sourced produce, using organic ingredients as much as possible and staying away from refined sugars . The menu is international.  It includes açai bowls and kimchi toast for breakfast, fresh spring rolls, beetroot balls for lunch (a healthier vegan alternative for the famous Dutch ‘bitterbal’ which is a deep fried ball of minced meat)  and Sicilian eggplant stew or Pad Thai for dinner.

On the drinks front, student Fleur loves their fresh coconuts with lime juice,

“I have tasted many fresh coconuts in my life (in Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali), but I must say this was one of the best coconuts I ever had!”.

Also, don’t miss their blue smoothie. The ‘Samui Blue’ consists of banana, mango, coconut water, whey protein, spirulina and bee pollen.

To find out more about The Meets click here.

 

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Wild Food Café, Islington, North London

Wild Food Café in Islington is a far cry from the cosy, rustic feel of their Neal’s Yard location, but it’s just as inviting and a short walk from Highbury and Islington tube on Upper Street.

Wild Food Café strive to find the most nourishing and inspiring ingredients available. Their sources include wild crafted and foraged foods from pristine eco systems, small organic farmers and ethical and local suppliers.  Everything is raw, plant based and, I think, delicious.

The space

The interiors feel sleek and millennial. There is also much greenery, with marble tabletops and pink detailing to round off the beautiful, open space.

Founders Aiste and Joel have created the most aesthetic, innovative feel to their second location, which is reflected in the food served.

The little things that make a difference

From the plants to the open kitchen, the stylistic details are what make the open space so magnificent. I’m a sucker for an open kitchen, complete with pizza oven and breakfast bar, as it allows for an element of transparency. There is no fear in presenting the labour behind the food, the ingredients and process behind every dish.

Whilst there are plugs and yes, there is WiFi, Wild Food Café will always first and foremost be a restaurant. You could sit for the odd hour or so with your laptop, especially as the environment feels ever so calming, but I wouldn’t stay more than that. There are so many other options on Upper Street to set up camp for the afternoon, save Wild Food for a magic elixir with friends, or a blowout brunch date.

The fresh juice test

I’ve had many a green juice at the Neal’s Yard branch. The Vibrant Green I decided to review contains celeriac, sea beet, watercress, nettle, sea purslane, mint and apple. However, it is the smoothies and hot elixirs that I urge you to try. From a rose hot chocolate to the cacao ecstasy I guzzled, they are every so dreamy.

What we ate

Each plate can only be described, as a masterpiece in its own right. Every dish as different in structure, flavour and finish as a row of art works in a gallery.  In my opinion, there is nowhere in London quite like it. It’s the main reason I keep coming back. The menu combines both the healing nature of food with the taste and presentation of a Michelin star restaurant.

The menu changes with the seasons introducing new ingredients, medicinal plants, adaptogens and herbs.

 

We had the Italian pizza  made with marinara sauce, cashew cheese sauce, cherry tomatoes, wild leaf pesto, sun-blushed artichokes, pink olives, rocket, basil and nori and the Fawaffle.

It was a falafel waffle served with cashew and mint cream, sweet chilli sauce, red cabbage slaw, pepper and tomato salsa and sprouted lentil hummus.

They were both part of the weekend lunch menu. The menu during the week varies. Then we shared the limited edition Easter egg, part of the Easter weekend specials. This dessert was the star of the show. The white chocolate cream was gloriously fluffy and decadent and formed a lovely sweet bed for the double-layered chocolate egg to sit on, filled with hazelnut praline. This was seasonal, but it’s worth saying that there’s always an amazing selection of raw desserts year round.

What we’d go back for…

Dessert. I won’t stop until I’ve tried every sweet dish on the menu.  Plus, the staff themselves who greet you so warmly as you walk through the door and serve each plate with love are another reason to return.

The bill

Vibrant green juice  £8
Italian pizza  £15.50
Fawaffle  £12.50
Desserts from  £7.50

 

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Beter & Leuk, Amsterdam

 

Beter & Leuk translates as ‘better and fun’. It’s known for its organic, local, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menu throughout Amsterdam. Their delicious menu is 100% vegetarian and their USP is their vegan pastries.  You can eat in, but Beter & Leuk also has a flourishing take-away counter and an on site shop selling sustainable lifestyle items, clothing, jewelry and more. We love it.

The setting

Beter & Leuk is in a lively area in Eastern Amsterdam, near the river Amstel. This cute homestyle café is on an urban street, with a calm and relaxed feel to it. This area of town is less touristy than others. It’s quieter and more residential, but filled with cafés and shops.

The space

Beter & Leuk feels like a living room. It’s compact and cosy. With the little shop-area in the back of the café, it also has the feeling of a concept store. You can buy cookery books, jewellery, beauty products and more. Most products come from local suppliers and everything is sustainable. The emphasis on sustainability continues not only in the menu and shop, but also in the decor of the café. It’s a stylish mix of non-matching, vintage and upcycled furniture. The walls are hung with changing artworks (also for sale) showcasing new Dutch artists. In the Summer, there are a few outside-seats, but no large terrace. Inside, are small tables and a large sharing table plus window bar seating. Beter & Leuk has table service.

The crowd

Beter & Leuk is run by Ilse and Maja, two ladies that are are passionate about spreading the healthy lifestyle message.

The mostly female crowd is a fun mix of young girls and trendy mums as well as older ladies- proving that healthy eating is for any age.

 

The fresh juice test

We began  our brunch review with some freshly prepared juices- an apple, carrot and ginger juice for my sister and an apple, celery and lemon one for me. Their juices are not too sweet and pretty generous in size.

What we ate

The food menu at Beter & Leuk includes sweet items such as berry smoothie bowls and banana-buckwheat pancakes. And you can find savoury items including a selection of salads (a seasonal one and a bibimbap), soup and sandwiches.

We ordered the baked tempeh sandwich with wasabi mayonnaise, cucumber, pickles and a small, fresh side salad.

I also ordered the spinach-buckwheat pancake with pea hummus and grilled vegetables. It came with a small quinoa side salad and the portion size was really good.

 

You can’t resist the sweet items on the menu. You can choose from  scones made of oats served with coconut yogurt and berries, chocolate brownies made from sweet potato and sweetened with date syrup and much more. In the end, we decided to end our brunch with the berry banana bread (sweetened with rice syrup) served with date creme and the vegan carrot cake with coconut frosting.

The carrot cake  was especially good!

We also had an almond matcha latte and a spiced iced almond turmeric latte on the side, a perfect end to a good brunch.

What else?

Beter & Leuk is active in hosting workshops on healthy eating and living. On some days you can even take a yoga class followed up by a healthy breakfast.

The bill

Juices 2x  €4.95
Matcha latte  €3.95
Turmeric latte  €3.75
Tempeh sandwich  €8.95
Masala Dosa  €10.50
Banana bread  €3.95
Carrot cake  €4.50

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Flex Bowls, Barcelona

Flex Bowls was the first healthy bowl café in Barcelona. It has a wide range of plant-based, flexitarian food on the menu. It’s a must visit for you if you’re plant-based and in Barcelona.

The setting

Flex Bowls is in Eixample. To get there, take the 47 bus to Pau Claris Arago station. It’s near other gastro-hotspots Eatmytrip Brunch & Bakery, El Nacional and Citizin café.

The space

Flex Bowls has a large, glass front with their signature white plate sign hanging above it. Outside, there are wooden apple boxes filled with their juice, lunch and brunch menu, plus there’s a tiny terrace on the other side of the pedestrian walkway.

Once inside, there’s a huge bar where you order food to take away or eat in. Behind the bar are shelves stacked with wines, plants, coffee cups and preserving jars. There are three high tables with bar chairs where you can sit at the bar. And there’s more!  Down the stairs there’s another huge space where you can settle in to work or chat. They have strong wifi.

The fresh juice test

I had the slim fit juice which was a smart choice.

It was perfectly balanced between the sweet of the fruit and the savoury of the veg.

The juice came in a house Flex Bowls bottle and was a combination of watermelon, spinach, cucumber, celery, coconut water, lemon, chia and ginger. All the flavours were there, but none of them were overpowering. Delicious.

What we ate

Flex Bowls has a lot of plant-based variety on their menu – from smoothie bowls and chia pots to pancakes.

Lactose Free, Gluten Free and vegan dishes are all marked up. I decided to review the Pumpkin Pecan Smoothie Bowl, as I was curious about the pumpkin (!), and the Vegan Brownie.

The bowl had a base of almond milk, pumpkin, banana, almonds, dates, vanilla and cinnamon. It was topped off with granola, chia seeds, nuts, banana, strawberry, coconut and cinnamon. The base was pleasantly surprising. The pumpkin added a nice twist and the hint of cinnamon added a perfect finishing touch. The granola was very sweet and sugary but rather confusingly didn’t appear to include pecans!

The brownie made up for it though. It was super moist and chewy from the inside. The top layer had a huge crunchy layer of nuts on top. You won’t regret ordering one.

The little things that make the difference

The big smiles of the waiters!

The bill

Pumpkin pecan smoothie bowl  €8,95
Slim fit juice €5,45
Vegan brownie €4,50

 

 

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Winter, Melbourne

Julien Moussi is a pioneering restauranteur breaking all the boundaries of healthy eating cafés. He has an established and highly impressive track record for going above and beyond when it comes to creating cool cafés. His new Melbourne opening, Winter is no exception. It’s currently the most talked about café in Melbourne. Here’s why…

The space

With white decor, light wood tables and chairs, clean interiors and bright natural light, you can’t fault it the decor at Winter. There’s a large seating area inside and a small terrace outside on the pavement.

The little things that make a difference

The food presentation has to be seen to be believed. Winter’s food styling and plating is an absolute work of art.

It’s almost cruel to eat it when it looks that good!

 

The fresh juice test

They may not have a green juice on offer, but they do have a green matcha latte which is just as good. They use the Matcha Maiden latte blend and it’s absolutely delicious. Mixed with almond milk, it’s a match made in heaven. I also got to try their mango smoothie which was like having sunshine in a cup. The mango and coconut milk reminded me of an Indian mango Lassi, only much thicker and more delicious

What we ate

For my review, I started off with their new super greens salad.

I love a hearty greens bowl so this ticked all the boxes for me.

It included broccolini, kale, grilled asparagus, sugar snap peas, beetroot hummus, a poached egg and a side of avocado. All topped with herbs and spices to give it a boost in flavour.

I had to try their Nutella crumpets. Crumpets  are an old school favourite of mine and they did not disappoint. With caramelised banana, fresh berries, crushed roasted hazelnuts, raspberry puree and honeycomb… need I say more? Although they may have been cold by the time I had taken my photos and taken my first bite, they were still divine.

What we’d go back for…

The food obviously, plus the staff were so attentive, warm and friendly.

The bill

Nutella crumpets  $18
Super greens salad  $19
Mango smoothie  $10.5
Matcha latte  $6

 

 

 

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Lavinia Good Food, Amsterdam

Lavinia Good Food is a hidden gem in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Sat on the pretty Kerkstraat, between two canals, it is charming, laid back and serves a mean gluten-free pizza. If you’re visiting Amsterdam or a local who loves healthy food, then it’s a must visit.

The setting

Lavinia Goodfood is based on the Kerkstraat. It’s close to the flower market and near other healthy hotspots like Delicious Deshima, Stach and SLA. Take tram 2, 11 or 12 to the Prinsengracht of Keizersgracht and from there it’s a five minute walk. There are also plenty of art galleries and vintage shops in the area.

The space

The space is charming and cosy. Outside there’s kitsch yellow furniture in front of the windows,  so you can sit outside and relax in the sun. Inside is brick walled with wooden furniture and lots of wood tables – mostly for two,  but they also have a huge sharing table.

The decor is very kitsch- cute plates and miss matched items stylishly combined.

Around lunch time it can get very packed. There’s great wifi and you can definitely take your laptop out and work, but not at lunch or brunch times since it is too busy. There’s another branch in Amstelveenseweg in Oud Zuid.

The crowd

What’s funny is the waiters are English – they’re not Dutch! Lavinia is really popular with a younger crowd, especially students.

What else?

You can eat in or take away and Lavinia also sells items like juicers, superfoods and even some gardening supplies.

The fresh juice test

Lavinia has a choice of fresh juices and lemonades. We had the green juice.  It was a mix of spinach, celery and apple. The juice wasn’t too sweet, despite the apple, and it contained lots of veg.

What we ate

Lavinia Goodfood serves a bit of everything. The menu is mostly vegetarian and vegan, but they also have some dishes with salmon. Lavinia has an all day brunch and lunch menu with lattes,  juices, cocktails, beers and organic wines. They also have some gluten-free options.

For my review, I had the Açaï bowl, Lavinia’s vegan bowl and a vanilla pie to finish off lunch. The portions were satisfyingly large and colourful. The acaï bowl came with cheese which we switched for coconut yoghurt. It didn’t really taste like acaï, more like a smoothie bowl, but this wasn’t a bad thing.

The bowl came with a very delicious and crispy granola which was gluten-free with coconut chips, fresh fruits and a drizzle of agave on top.

The Lavinia bowl was our savoury choice. It was whole grain cous cous, roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, pickled red cabbage, home made hummus and we also added some vegan “bacon” made out of mushrooms. All the ingredients were perfectly balanced. There was something creamy, something warm, something crunchy and something refreshing due to the pickled cabbage.

The vanilla pie was a must! They had a choice of vegan, gluten free pastries, but also traditional choices like dutch apple pie.

The vegan vanilla pie was a two layered cake with jam in the middle and and white icing on top. Topped off with some roasted almonds, blueberries and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. The cake was not dry at all, it had so much flavour and a really spongy texture.

The little things that make the difference

You can rent out Lavinia Good Food on the Kerkstraat for events.

The bill

Açai bowl  €9,50
+ coconut yoghurt  €2
Lavinia’s bowl  €11,50
+veggie bacon  €2,50
Green juice  €6,50
Vanilla cake  €4,50

 

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Shanklin, Melbourne

Shanklin provides “modern Australian cuisine that’s simple, creative and delicious”. And they are at the top of their game with ‘Instagrammable’ food. We’re talking Oreo pancake stacks, rainbow bowls, edible flowers and latte art on a whole new level.

The space

Shanklin is set in the suburb of Hawthorn East. They’ve got a huge indoor area, plus a sheltered courtyard with outdoor seating and they’ve got outdoor heating too. Decor-wise, they have a range of photo-worthy backdrops for all your food photography.

Brick walls, grey concrete walls and distressed wooden tables, it’s a food bloggers dream.

The little things that made a difference…

The owner Francis always greets everyone with such a warm and friendly welcome. He makes you feel like he’s welcoming you into his home.

The fresh juice test

Shanklin do freshly squeezed single juice, but don’t have a green juice. So, for my review, I went for a  green smoothie which was the perfect blend of kale, banana and coconut water. Earthy and sweet all in one. Plus, we had the berry red Açai smoothie which was super refreshing.

What we ate

You have to try their Nutella stuffed pancakes. These are served with berries, grilled banana, vanilla ice cream and Oreo crumbles. They are beyond delicious, but seriously indulgent so make sure you bring a friend to share them with.

We also tried their Super Green which was my personal favourite. It’s smashed avocado on sourdough toast, with goats cheese, grilled asparagus, spinach, pea puree and dukkah.

You will find it such a simple combination, but they manage to make it look like a masterpiece.

Finally, we also got to try their portobello mushroom which is their speciality and the chef’s recommendation. This is served with roasted red pepper, halloumi, poached eggs and chilli oil. It’s a flavour sensation.

What we’d go back for…

To have all my favourite food available on one menu at one place.

The bill

Nutella Pancakes  $22
Super Green $22
Portobello Mushroom  $23
Green Smoothie $12
Açai Smoothie  $12

 

 

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Redemption, Covent Garden

Why should socialising always be at the expense of your health? That’s what two female entrepreneurs behind Redemption asked themselves as they created what they believe to be the world’s healthiest bar restaurant, serving up vegan, sugar-free and wheat free food with an alcohol-free bar. Their motto is ‘spoil yourself without spoiling yourself’.

The setting

Like the sister restaurants in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, Redemption Covent Garden is super cool. It’s decorated with white marble table tops, green plants, golden glowing overhead lights and their signature pink neon Redemption logo. It’s set just back from Seven Dials and backs onto Neal’s Yard. Customers include tourists and Londoners. You can also get take out.

The fresh green juice test

Redemption are known for their exotic and beautiful non-alcoholic cocktails, served in high glasses, with paper straws and garnished with fresh fruit and herbs.

I chose the “green” Apple Mockjito from their “fruities” menu, which was refreshing and sweet. It was made with muddled apple pressé, lots of fresh mint and lime wedges topped with sparkling mineral water. They also offer green avocado smoothies, but we tried the healing and heart-warming Bombay Love- a  blend of turmeric, ginger, lemon, coconut kefir, coconut milk and coconut yoghurt topped with coconut flakes. It  was revitalising and very healthy.

What we ate

You can choose from a comforting bowl of bolognese and brown rice penne pasta, their black bean chimichurri on homemade flaxseed and sunflower seed toast or a sweet stack of coconut oil buckwheat pancakes.

We enjoyed the buddha bowl, which is altered daily. When i visited it was a combo of fresh kale salad, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, mixed beans and  olives, beetroot hummus, turmeric roasted cauliflower and simple quinoa salads.

We also tried the Californication – a combo of roasted sweet potato and red onion hash with Tamari mushrooms, kale and spinach with rosemary and lemon. The sweet potato wedges were tender and the onion was sticky and sweet to contrast the salty umami greens and mixed mushrooms.

 

For dessert, we were tempted by their raw Banoffee and key lime pie cheesecakes, but chose the rich and fudge chocolate hazelnut brownie and the chocolate chip cookie. The brownie was light and spongey and the cookie was crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Both were served with creamy coconut yoghurt and edible flowers.

It’s hard to believe both are completely vegan and gluten-free.

What we’d go back for…

The buddha bowl and the chocolate hazelnut brownie!

The bill

Bombay love smoothie  £5.50
Apple Mockjito  £4.75
Buddha Bowl £8.95
Californication £9.25
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie £3.75
Chocolate Chip Cookie £2.40

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Plant Hub, Hackney

It’s been a long journey for Plant Hub’s creator, David Bez, to find a fixed London home for his innovative, plant-based cooking. But finally and thankfully his journey has a happy ending with the creation of Plant Hub, Hackney.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting David’s previous ventures in Chatsworth Road (Pride Kitchen) and his pop up in Broadway Market’s Tiosk, but this new plant-based café is more ambitious. I was very excited to review it, as Bez has  joined forces with chef Lauren Lovatt and co-founder and head chef Antonio Alderuccio (AKA The Rainbow Chef) .  Their new venue not only boasts a widely vegan (and scrumptious) menu, but it also has a brand new plant based culinary academy right within its walls. Their aim is “to inspire a passion for plants, through building a community where we can all learn from the most inspiring chefs and foodies … to make and enjoy more plant based food.” And I think they’re absolutely on their way!

The setting

Plant Hub is on über trendy Mare St. It’s just round the corner from beautiful London Fields and a short walk from Hackney Central.

The space

Stepping off busy Mare Street, you are welcomed in by a display of fresh produce and homemade cakes and desserts.  It shouts ‘come in!’ Although narrow, the back of the café has about 8 tables and warm, stripped walls creating a really welcoming environment.  The lighting is industrial, there are metal chairs and wooden floors.

The seating area  overlooks the Plant Hub academy kitchen so you’re really in on the action.

The fresh juice test

The menu features an irresistible mix of elaborate mocktails, super lattes and smoothies. I had a fresh turmeric latte  which was the nicest I’ve ever had in London and a CBD & chamomile latte. I was so keen to try this and it was incredible.

What we ate

With very hungry tummies, we shared the Protein Bowl, which is a combo of a chickpea omelette, black peas, coriander butter beans, hummus, fermented oat cheez, kale, toasted seeds, dressed with a tahini and cheezy mustard sauce.

We also had the Melanzane Parmigiana (I genuinely wouldn’t have known it was vegan) and the filled Gluten Free Focaccia.

The Focaccia was stuffed with beetroot hummus, sun dried tomatoes and  rocket. We were tempted to try everything, so we followed this with the heavenly bread and butter pudding and a chocolate and pear tart with coconut cream and date syrup.

What else?

Plant Hub runs a wealth of workshops and cooking classes every week. You can learn skills from how to make decadent plant-based desserts, how to ferment foods and even how to batch cook. There are also plenty of guest chefs and cooks taking classes, so do keep your eyes peeled for something that takes your fancy.

And if the café and academy wasn’t enough, Plant Hub also sells local produce in in the Deli, so you can come and do your weekly shop.

Products include British quinoa, lentils and beans, flours, mylks and keep cups.

What we’d go back for…

The food was incredible and I will definitely be back in no time at all to enjoy more of the menu. But probably the thing that made me glow, most literally, were the lattes to end the meal.

They were the best lattes I’ve had in London and the CBD was an added treat.

There’s just something really special about this place. It feels as though now that there is finally a stable home for David and Lauren’s passions, ideas and genius minds, Plant Hub will continue to grow into something really wonderful; making plant-based food accessible, easy and even more delicious for us all!

The bill

Melanzane parmigiana  £8.00
Filled focaccia  £6.00
Protein bowl  £9.00
Super lattes  £4.00

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Treehouse Lounge, Melbourne

Treehouse Lounge was already a go-to spot for most locals in St Kilda. But, with a recent renovation, and new management, it’s looking better than ever. We’re talking new menu, new staff and updated decor. The Treehouse facelift is what everyone in Melbourne is talking about.

The setting

Treehouse Lounge is on Carlisle Street in St Kilda’s Balaclava, the heart of café culture in Melbourne. It’s also a great hub for cool shops.

The space

It’s like an indoor treehouse come to life- restored wood and hanging plants. My favourite part is the bright natural light that floods in through the huge window … obviously a bonus when it comes to food photography!

Treehouse Lounge uses natural, earthy, elements to create a relaxed vibe for meeting friends or sitting and working using the free WiFi.

The little things that make a difference

The team go above and beyond. Once you’re greeted with a big smile and a friendly chat, the staff and owner do whatever you can to make your experience a pleasant one. They support local small businesses and giving back to the community.

The fresh juice test

As they’ve recently re-opened, they’re still fine tuning their juice menu. Fresh juices will be on the cards, but for now it’s all about the matcha lattes by Matcha Maiden, turmeric lattes by Golden Grind and the Treehouse homemade smoothies to quench your thirst.

What I ate

There are so many delicious plant-based friendly options on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From pulled jackfruit tacos to a vegan chilli tofu scramble.

For my review, I went for three stunning dishes that delivered a serious taste sensation. The first was the ‘Not Just Avocado’, and they’re right.  It goes far beyond any avo smash I’ve ever had. Imagine thick smashed avocado on multi-grain sourdough bread, with rainbow beetroot slices, roasted heirloom carrots, fresh lime, toasted seeds, ricotta mousse and a poached egg.

I also tried their Roasted Cauliflower and Kale Salad which is now my new favourite dish. It’s packed with kale, roasted cauliflower, pumpkin hummus, toasted seeds, fresh pomegranate, two poached eggs and dukkah.

It’s the perfect combo of fresh, hearty and filling all in one.

Last, but not least, was the Heirloom Carrot Salad. This is served with barley, crunchy roasted chickpeas, caramelised roasted carrots, pomegranate seeds, kale, a poachie and a delicious tahini yoghurt dressing. Yum!

For dessert, they’re also the first and only cafe in Melbourne to have the Thai born smoothie bowl brand, NanaBowls on the menu. They’re exclusively serving the Peanut Butter Salted Caramel and the Strawberry Bliss flavours… all with extra toppings. I’m biased as we created the company, but they’re delicious!

What we’d go back for…

The challah french toast. Who wouldn’t glow when you’re served a soft thick piece of french toast with nut crumble, toasted hazelnuts, Nutella mousse, fresh berries and a roasted marshmallow?

The bill

Matcha latte  $5.50
Not Just Avocado  $18
Cauliflower and kale salad  $18.90
Heirloom carrot salad  $18
Peanut butter salted caramel Nana Bowl  $15
Challah french toast  $18.50

 

 

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Caravan Bankside, Southwark

Need a London café close to the Tate Modern that ticks all the boxes? Caravan Bankside is a Southwark must visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just coffee and a home brewed kombucha. They cater for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters. Our verdict? It doesn’t just entice, it delights and delivers.

The location

Caravan Bankside is located in an old metal box factory in this achingly cool area of  Southwark, a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern. It’s also an easy walk to the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Globe Theatre and Borough Market.

The space

The spacious café has retained many original 19th century features and has a warm, industrial feel.

Imagine large windows, white columns, stripped wood and metal girders. You could easily spend the day here with your laptop or celebrate with a large group.

 

What else

Caravan Bankside is the third branch of Caravan. Their mixed menu is also on offer at Exmouth Market, King’s Cross, Fitzrovia and in the City. They also brew their own immune boosting kombucha and shrubs.

The fresh juice test

As well as fresh juices, shots and milk blends (hot and cold), Caravan Bankside brew their own immune boosting ferments and pro-biotic sodas.

The ginger and galangal soda and the pomegranate kombucha sounded particularly appealing. In the end, we decided to review two fresh juices. First, the cucumber, apple, parsley, spinach and sorrel which was a prefect balance of sweet and bitter. Next we tested the beetroot, cucumber, cayenne and lemon. We’d never had beetroot in a juice without apple before, but didn’t miss it, as there was enough sweetness and it was refreshingly light.

What we ate

Caravan serves up a little bit of everything from across the globe; from small plates and snacks to larger dishes.

We began with snacks and chose the the stilton and peanut wantons with ketjap dip.

They were crisp and exquisite. We followed with the charred hispi cabbage, sweet miso, blue cheese and thai basil. This dish was even more heavenly, with the sweet miso sauce taking it to a new level.  Finally, we had the split pea dahl, braised greens, carrot relish, ginger jam, coconut yoghurt and pickled red onion. This was also good but not a standout dish.

What we’d go back for

The cabbage… and we want to try their plant-based breakfasts next time – which include spiced yoghurts, steel cut oat porridge and smoothie bowls. Plus, their industrial themed unisex toilets are lovely, with stripped bricks, exposed copper piping and Aesop hand washes and creams.

The bill

Stilton and peanut wantons, ketjap manis £4.50
Charred hispi cabbage £7.50
Split pea dahl and braised greens £14.50
Juices £4.50

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Kalifornia Kitchen, London

‘Healthy is Sexy’ according to Kalifornia Kitchen. It’s the latest addition to London’s thriving plant-based café scene and one I couldn’t wait to review. It’s the perfect place to pick up a West Coast fix – from the hot pink colour scheme to the CBD lattes. You could easily be in Hollywood.

Kalifornia Kitchen was founded by vegan entrepreneur Loui Blake. It follows the success of his first restaurant, Erpingham House, in Norwich which is the UK’s largest plant-based eatery.

Not only is the entire menu vegan, the eatery is also free from single use plastic and places an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

The setting

Located on Percy Street in Fitzrovia, Kalifornia Kitchen is just a couple of minutes walk from the bustling Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus. You can’t miss the shocking pink awning especially on a grey London day. While there is a huge variety of international cuisine on the same street, such as Hawaiian poke, vegetarian Indian and modern Vietnamese restaurants, Kalifornia Kitchen stands out.  

The space

The pink colour scheme continues inside with a fuchsia spiral staircase and pastel pink chairs.

Inside a Neon sign reads “Healthy is sexy’ and  “Don’t kale my vibe’ is painted on the wall.

Green foliage lines the walls, and our window table allowed us to look out  and people watch. Alternatively, you can grab a table for one and order a matcha latte, get your laptop out and take advantage of the relaxed working vibe. The table service is quick and friendly. Food is also available as takeaway. 

The crowd

The crowd is generally young and includes vegans, those seeking a more plant-based diet and those who are simply after a delicious and nourishing meal. I spied plenty of bloggers with their cameras at the ready snapping away at the beautiful interior details and the stunningly presented dishes. As it’s in such a busy area, the restaurant can get very full at lunchtime, but don’t worry as the large number of tables means you can still normally find a seat.

The fresh juice test

To drink, Kalifornia Kitchen serves CBD lattes (infused with Cannabidiol) alongside turmeric and matcha lattes. They also have immune-boosting shots, superfood smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.

We went for the green juice. It was made from kale, apple, celery, cucumber and lime. It was delicious with a slight sweetness thanks to the apple. 

What we ate

The menu is made up of healthy breakfasts, such as buckwheat banana pancakes and lunch options like beetroot falafel wrap with kombucha slaw served with kale chips. There are also heartier dinner dishes such as aubergine katsu curry.

We went for the scrambled turmeric tofu on sourdough. And the pulled jackfruit and guac tacos with pickled red cabbage plus the Rainbow bowl.

The Rainbow bowl was a mix of kale, tomatoes, cauliflower couscous, butternut squash, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, lime coconut yoghurt and avocado.

The little things that make the difference

Kalifornia Kitchen encourages its guests to donate an optional 99p with each bill.  This is used to plant hundreds of trees each month in order to offset their carbon footprint.

The bill

Jackfruit guac taco  £12.00
Rainbow bowl  £10.50
Scrambled tofu on sourdough £8.50
“Kalefornia” green juice  £4.00
Oolong tea £3.50
Oat Cappuccino  £3.25