Two Vegans To Die For

And the road to Vegan delights is Commercial St, in Shoreditch.

Only a few meters away from each other you’ll find Club Mexicana, a vegan tacos joint, and Tofu Vegan, a Chinese restaurant experimenting with vegan cooking.

You may think vegan food is not worth your while, but for somebody who’s an avid meat and fish eater, I was surprised to find out that what I was indulging did not contain any of it. If it fooled me, could it fool you?

CLUB MEXICANA - THE DOWNLOAD

There’s something about this restaurant that makes me think about Wham’s song Club Tropicana. The colours, the music, the ambience…it just screams let’s have some fun while having dinner, and it delivers. Unlike the song, not all things are free, but they are certainly worth every penny you spend.

The first time we visited I was unaware that the menu was 100% vegan and it was only when somebody mentioned as I was commenting on how incredible my birria taco was that somebody brough to my attention that what I was eating was not beef meat stew, but rather a meat-free version of it. I was incredilous. The best birria taco I tried in London, and it was vegan. And it didn’t stop there. Al Pastor, Fish Tacos, BBQ Shortrib…they are all mouthwatering, and vegan.

In addition to the incredible taste, you can also have an all you can eat Tacos night every Tuesday (at the beautiful price of £20 per head), and yummy cocktails to match the eve. Bang!

WHERE TO FIND them? Lucky you, there’s now three locations: Shoreditch, Soho, and Brixton. Pick your fancy.

WHEN TO GO? From 12-3 or 5-10PM all week barr Sundays.

TOFU VEGAN - THE DOWLOAD

This was another surprise made in heaven. I don’t know about you, but I am an avid fan of Chinese cuisine. It’s extremely tasty, naughty, salty, delicious, and for better or for worse, it is full of meat and fish ingredients.

But not at Tofu Vegan. Inspired to help the planet become a better and more sustainable place, the team behind Tofu Vegan created a 100% plant-based menu that impressed the non-vegans like myself. Usually using mushroom, tofu, and other Asian imitation meats made from bean proteins, they are able to recreate many client favorites. Their sichuan hot dishes like the Chongqing chick’n in a pile of fragant chillies is numbingly addictive, and so is their mapo tofu and cloud ear fungus.

WHERE TO FIND them? You are in for a treat as they have now 3 branches across London: one in Islignton (the OG), one in Golders Green, and on in Shoreditch, right next to Club Mexicana.

WHEN TO GO? All day, everyday (12pm-11pm). Don’t miss out!

Caravel

Picture this: the sun is setting, a slight breeze is coming in and you are walking by the Canal in North London.

A range of colourful canal boats have settled across the towpath for the evening, when you see a wide beam boat with its doors open.

It’s Caravel ,and it’s calling you in.

WHAT IS IT? Caravel is an intimate restaurant in a converted barge. A family business run by two brothers, Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, who have previously worked at restaurants Quo Vadis and Rochelle Canteen, to name a few.

WHY SHOULD I go? Because dining at Caravel feels special; something you’ve never done before but would like to do more often. Think about it, how many times do you get to see and enter a canal boat? And out of those, how many do you get to enjoy a meal by a renowned chef and a cocktail master? If you like an intimate setting offering a fabulous bistro-style menu, then this is your place.

I assume many of you may be thinking of taking their other half for a date night given the intimacy of the place. However, I would like to point out that the barge is also available for private hire for groups. I was lucky enough to find an available date to celebrate my birthday here (with 20 friends, no less!) and it was pure joy. One big long table, white table cloths, candles everywhere. A tailored 3-course meal and the nicest, most attentive service you could imagine. I couldn’t think of a better place to be.

Pro-tip: If you want to book the entire boat and do not get bankrupt while doing so, we suggest booking on a weeknight. Weekends including Fridays come at a steep price of £4k whereas other dates do not have a minimum spend, so it’s worth reconsidering when to go.

WHAT CAN I GET? Whilst I can tell you what I loved when I was last there, this may not be on offer by the time you visit Caravel. The menu at this floting restaurant is seasonal and therefore changes often, which I love! Our past favorites have included mussels, the pork belly and the sea bream.

A dinner for two, including wine, will probably cost you around £60 per head.

WHERE IS IT exactly? 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL

About a 10-minute walk from either Angel, Old Street or Essex Road, the barge is easily spotted but not that easy to access. We suggest meeting on the South side of Packington Bridge, where you’ll find a gated entrance to the Wharf. A few meters passed the gate you will find Caravel (and Bruno).

WHEN can I go? Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch only and Wednesday for dinner only.

Take your pick and enjoy the ride.

Bon appetit

TCB xx

Kudu

WHY GO THERE? I dare to say that, since they first launched in 2018, Kudu has become an institution in Peckham. It’s now 2023 and the team behind the South African signature restaurant now also have a cocktail Bar (Smokey Kudu), a brasserie (Kudu Grill) and a private dining and event space, part art gallery (Curious Kudu). All family-run.

WHAT TO GET HERE? Though absent in the photos below due to our swift indulgence, the Kudu bread with melted cultured butter with bacon and melted butter with seafood stand as an absolute necessity amongst your dinner choices. The server told us that the onglet (steak) with hispi cabbage and truffled potato mousse for two is a popular main, but we were keen to try less traditional dishes and opted out for the Scallop ptojiee and the cape cod. Both outstanding.

I must admit the starters and snacks and small plates were my favorites, more son than the mains! The parmesan churros with miso mayo are very special, and so are the peri peri chicken hearts and the BBQ spiced lamb rib. We cannot wait to come back and try all the snacks we missed.

The wine list is predominantly South African and comes at a steep price. I am not a big fan of South African wines myself but we found a lovely Chardonnay that worked very well with the food.

WHEN TO GO? Wednesday & Thursday for dinner and Friday to Sunday for both lunch (12-2:30pm) and dinner (6-10pm). Of note - There’s sittings for regular tables, stools in front of kitchen (recommended for two!) and also a little back garden for a little bit of a romantic dinner. I love being in the buzz of it all, so if you do to, then I suggest going for one of the first two options.

WHERE IS IT exactly? 119 Queen's Rd, London SE15 2EZ. Less than a 5-min walk from Queens Rd Peckham Overground station.

Enjoy careless readers, bon appetit!

TCB xx

East London Breakfast

Leaving Hackney can be a challenge when you realize that pretty much everything you need is right at your doorstep. Whether it's breakfast or dinner, the options cater to every taste. It’s Saturday and I find myself in bed writing to you whilst savoring my first cup of coffee. My delightful boyfriend spoils me every morning with it in bed and I couldn’t feel more blessed.

With a slight hunger gnawing at me, I contemplate my choices for today's breakfast, which prompts me to think about my favorite spots in the area. Here are the responses that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds.

DUSTY KNUCKLE: Where Bread Becomes Art

Hidden away on Abbott St, a cul-de-sac behind Arcola Theatre in Dalston, is Dusty Knuckle, a bakery that has gained a cult following for its remarkable bread and pastries.

If you're a bread aficionado, their signature potato sourdough is a must-try. However, you can’t really go wrong with any of their bread options. The house and the foccacia are also a fantastic choice.

Alongside this standout bread, Dusty Knuckle offers mouthwatering sausage and veggie rolls that will leave you craving for more. Not to mention their breakfast and lunch sarnies that have earned a reputation for being irresistibly delicious. Beware, this is no longer a secret and if you come on a weekend, you better come early or you will miss on a lot of these goodies!

Pro-tip: Dusty Knuckle also operates a little truck called ‘Milk Float’ delivering all their goodies across select neighborhoods in North-East London. You can see their schedule here.

POPHAMS: Where Bakery Tradition Meets Innovation

Pophams started as a small family bakery near Pophams Road in Islington and has now expanded its reach to London Fields, making it a renowned bakery destination. Their unique twist on classics is evident in treats like the ham & cheese croissant and the Marmite Schlossberger Swirl, both of which are available at both branches. Beyond breakfast, Pophams also offers a dinner menu in their London Fields location, making it a versatile culinary hotspot.

BRUNSWICK EAST: Innovation and Ambiance Combined

For those seeking innovative breakfast dishes served in generous portions, Brunswick East is the place to be. Hidden away in a corner on Gillett Square, this cafe boasts a charming outdoor space that enhances the dining experience. Their diverse menu features a range of breakfast options, and the ambiance adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.

Australian style coffee and dishes that will surprise your eyes and belly. My favorites include the okonomiyaki and the yoghurty poached eggs with chilli jam. Yum!

OZONE: Where Coffee and Cuisine Unite

Coffee lovers, this is your place. An Australian-style coffee roaster that also excels by serving incredible breakfast and brunch to all guests stopping by. The mushroom and pulled pork toasts are popular choices (and my favorites). If you ask me, the fusion of quality coffee and and mouthwatering toasts creates a breakfast experience that is truly unmatched.

YEAST BAKERY: The Home of Indulgence

I recently stumbled upon Yeast Bakery, as I was walking past Broadway Market on my way to the clothing store House of Sunny. I decided to stop for breakfast with a friend as we were very hungry and I must say this has now become a favorite spot. Why? Their cheese toasties are legendary, providing a comforting blend of gooey cheese and perfectly toasted bread. More over, this bakery is home to the infamous kouign-amann, a buttery, caramelized pastry that's a sweet treat like no other. Not to be missed!

And for a quick and dirty and freaking delicious stop over on your way to the office…the extra that made it to the list is TIN Cafe! Extremely low key yet essentials done right. Run by a lovely lady who always has a smile on her face, you can get 5£ toasties with delicious produce either to take in her little and quirky cafe or to-go.

TCB xxx

Session Arts Club

Little information was given to us about SAC, or Session Arts Club, the new restaurant that opened at the Old Sessions House, a grand Grade II* listed building in Clerkenwell. As lover of architecture and good design, I was quickly attracted to this new project. A restaurant, wine bar and art gallery all in one place.

How could one not like the prospect of that idea?

The invitation to dine with them came in the form of an art exhibit invite, an urban sanctuary where to indulge into delicious food, drink like queens and kings and generally enjoy ourselves in the company of good friends and great artwork and great surroundings. 

As we walked into the town house, I quickly felt in love with it. There is something about this building that tells me there’s a lot of history and stories behind these walls. We have entered the groundfloor and are quickly directed to the elevator that takes us to the second floor of the building, where the restaurant and rooftop reside. A chandelier shines our entrance to the room and as we are guarded to our table, I am hoping that the food is as grand as its surroundings.

And it is. 

From start to finish, our dinner is a parade of delicacies. A menu designed to be shared, we are celebrated with a bunch of spanish and Italian ciccheti. Friggitelli, cannellini beans & lemon, panisse, lemon thyme & sea salt, all an explosion of flavours and a great preamble to our second and third act, where we indulge in a variety of vegetarian, fish and meaty dishes that climax in our palate. 

Dinner is never finished without dessert and a digestif and so we indulge into a fantastic Pana cotta and a chocolate tart to round things off. 

The night isn’t finished, it has only started, and as we drink our last glass of vino in the terrace, we are already wondering when will be here next. 

TCB xx

Where is SAC? 24 Clerkenwell Green Old Sessions House, London EC1R 0NA

When to go? Wednesday to Friday from 5.30pm til 10pm

Average Price per person (with a glass of vino): 40 GBP