Today marks the official World Environmental Health Day, an annual global awareness event in support of a greener society. This year’s theme is Global Food Safety and Sustainability, promoting the value of our natural nutrient sources for ethical food production all over the world.
We’re big believers of both these concepts in all our products, but we aren’t exactly Michelin-starred chefs. So, we’ve left the cooking to the professionals and sought out our best, organic restaurants in London. Kind to the planet and kind to our health, these sustainable restaurants offer a brilliant variety of natural dishes. Featuring homegrown goodies, foraged foods, vegan delights and strict no waste policies, these eco restaurants have quickly become firm favourites across the capital.
Our 9 Favourite Organic Restaurants in London
1) The Duke of Cambridge
It wouldn’t be a list of London restaurants without a pub! But The Duke of Cambridge menu goes beyond your average plate of pie and mash. This organic restaurant and pub is committed to providing produce-focused perfection, serving some of the best homegrown vegetables from their Devon farm. On the menu, you’ll find classics like cottage pie and chilli, but each dish comes with its own organic twist. And don’t forget their triple chocolate and beetroot brownie – who knew a pub pudding could be so healthy?
As well as looking after the planet, The Duke of Cambridge takes care of its staff and suppliers. This sustainable restaurant works hard to remain independent and maintain good relationships with everyone a part of The Duke. They’re conscious of the environment too, by recycling all packaging and using only certifiable, organic ingredients. Take a seat at one of their repurposed wooden chairs and enjoy some eco-friendly pub grub!
2) Vantra
If you’re looking for vegan restaurants in London, make sure to check out Vantra. Right in the heart of London, you’ll find Vantra in the elusive Soho area. Their unmissable street-food style front is easy to spot, boasting a huge selection of vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free meals and desserts.
Vantra’s mission is to deliver exclusively vegan and delicious dishes, proving that gourmet cuisine can still be grown from the ground. And with their selection of superfood salads, raw cakes and natural smoothies, we think they’re pretty good at what they do. It’s no surprise Vantra has been called one of the best vegan restaurants in London.
3) Cub
Tucked away in the up-and-coming East London, you’ll find the trendy eco restaurant, Cub. Decked out with simple, low-hanging lamps and sleek mustard sofas, you might not notice this hidden Hoxton gem. Don’t let its minimalist design deceive you, though. Sustainable restaurant Cub offers an impressive vegetarian menu that’s packed with unique flavours. Go for their blackcurrant and potato ice cream – really, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
4) The Clerkenwell Kitchen
Locally-sourced, seasonal dishes made with organic produce and free-range ingredients make The Clerkenwell Kitchen a favourite of London’s patrons. With over thirty years’ experience, the chefs at The Clerkenwell know a thing or two about feel-good food. This organic restaurant is dedicated to sourcing sustainable, fair trade ingredients from local farms, markets and small vendors. Their commitment to the community makes The Clerkenwell Kitchen an eco restaurant that London should be proud of.
Grab a seat on one of their funky orange benches and enjoy an al fresco breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. And remember to pick up one of their artisan jams or chutneys too, made from scratch in their own kitchen.
5) Native
Nestled just a few minutes away from the London Bridge, Native is another eco restaurant that’s big on sustainable sourcing. Well known for its gourmet game plates, complete with freshly farmed vegetables, Native serves some of the finest foraged foods our soil has to offer. From just-caught market fish to the chef’s ‘zero-waste’ snacks, you can find a great variety of distinct dishes available. Even the tableware is all natural, with some courses served on rustic tree trunks.
6) Spring
Settled close to Waterloo Bridge in the Somerset House New Wing, Spring is an organic restaurant that wants everyone to share the seasonal food experience. Complete with luxe décor and an ever-changing cocktail menu, Spring exudes sophistication.
What’s more, they have a strict no waste policy to make this one of the most sustainable restaurants around. Their remarkable ‘Scratch Menu’ transforms lunch leftovers and yesterday’s trimmings create mouth-watering meals, bringing something new to Spring every single day. Plus, they’re campaigning to shrink their single-use plastics by the beginning of next year.
7) Wahaca
Twice-winners of the Sustainable Restaurant Group of the Year award, Wahaca prides itself on escaping the Mexican food stereotype. No cheese-laden nachos or oily burritos here – just fresh, real cuisine. Using only local ingredients where possible, Wahaca is a huge supporter of sustainability and ethical sourcing. This carbon neutral eco restaurant is also the first of its kind in the UK, with a certified net zero carbon footprint. Good for the planet, good for your health and great to taste. Gluten free tortillas, anyone?
8) Farmstand
If you’re looking for healthy eating on the go, Farmstand should be your first choice. Located on the streets of bustling Covent Garden, Farmstand offers a fantastic selection of gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free dishes. From vibrant vegan meals to higher welfare meat options, this organic restaurant has it all. Plus, Farmstand is even helping to cut down on plastics by providing free sparkling or still water to every customer.
9) Petersham Nurseries
What was once a small plant nursery in Richmond, Petersham Nurseries has transformed into a gorgeous garden and gift centre, complete with a casual eco restaurant. From feeding plants with their own onsite ground water source to relying on natural light to brighten up their eatery, Petersham Nurseries makes every effort to protect their environment.
But you don’t need to travel far to reach this green haven. Petersham Nurseries now boasts two sustainable restaurants in central London. Both the La Goccia and The Petersham can be found in Covent Garden, serving seasonal food for every meal of the day.
We might not be food connoisseurs, but here at Daimon Barber, we do have one thing in common with these eco restaurants. We are all champions of innovation, ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Check out the rest of the Daimon Barber Journal for even more insight into #TheModernMan lifestyle. Don’t forget to keep up to date with our social side too – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Welcome to NOW.
