In London’s most exciting new neighbourhood, Wembley Park, Veganuary - the growing movement in which participants to try out the vegan lifestyle for the whole of January - is in full swing with a range of sumptuous, flavour-packed vegan dishes on offer. Wembley Park has evolved its culinary offering hugely in recent years.
James Huartson, Head of Estate Services, recalls that, “Going back 10 years, we only had two restaurants on the estate where we could grab an after-work bite to eat. These days we are spoilt for choice.”
Gone are the days of only being able to find a soggy hot dog on match days. Now, Wembley Park is packed with more than 50 eateries, from independent establishments and national chains to a huge range of delectable street food at London’s largest BOXPARK.
Kicking the day off with a vegan breakfast at Estadio Lounge, which occupies a prime position on the leafy Wembley Park Boulevard, directly opposite the iconic, Grade-II listed OVO Arena Wembley, is a joy. There are eight filling vegan breakfast options (be sure to try the Vegan Smashed Avocado Brunch) and an extensive range of mains, sandwiches, sides and tapas (the black beans and sweetcorn and edamame guacamole are bound to delight).
At Clean Kitchen Club within BOXPARK Wembley for example, diners can indulge in juicy burgers and loaded fries whilst for those who love a bit of spice, the Chickpea Curry and Jerk Tofu at Mama Jacq’s Caribbean stall are not to be missed. The hearty flavours of classic bruschetta, spicy arrabbiata pasta and aubergine and courgette ravioli are perfect for warding off the winter blues over at Pasta Remoli, while a stack of vegan pancakes at Haute Dolci is the perfect indulgent treat at any time of day.
At Indian restaurant Masalchi, next to the new, Olympic Steps leading up to Wembley Stadium, twice Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar is serving up a flavourful range of vegan options. The Kathal Makhana Biryani, made with jackfruit and lotus seed, has a devoted following, as does the fragrant Subz Nariyal Korma, a Chennai style vegetable korma with coconut and curry leaves.
Hungry shoppers at Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet have a choice of 20 food and drink outlets in amongst its 80 stores, which also feature designer fashion brands and beauty outlets, along with a nine-screen Cineworld cinema.
There are plenty of options when it comes to ethical eating. For noodles, chain restaurant Wagamama is known for delighting vegan diners in Wembley Park with its Tofu Firecracker and warming Tofu Raisukaree, while their vegan chilli ‘squid’ is another firm favourite. Byron Burgers, meanwhile, is offering an impressive 11 vegan burgers this Veganuary, along with a range of vegan sides and shakes (the salted caramel is not to be missed!).
The list of other essential vegan dishes to try in Wembley Park is extensive. There is the Miso Aubergine poké bowl at Island Poké, deeply aromatic plant-based gyros at Smashing Plates, the Lula black bean, quinoa and teriyaki glazed pineapple burger at Nanny Bill’s, the Vegan Ortolana pizza at Zia Lucia, the Smoky Vegan burger at Smoky Boys, falafels at Viva Falafel and many, MANY more.
Vegan theatre-goers are also in for a treat when the visit Wembley Park. Not only can they enjoy the smash-hit Disney musical Newsies, which has been extended through to April after selling out every night, but they can also enjoy outstanding vegan food.
The Studio Five restaurant in the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre offers pre- and post-theatre dining, with a modern menu featuring simple, bold dishes. The chargrilled aubergine with miso glaze, cured cucumber, sesame dressing and cauliflower karaage has proven to be a particular hit with vegan theatre lovers.
For sweet treats, whether after a meal or just because, it has to be Udderlicious at BOXPARK Wembley, which offers one of the widest ranges of oat, hazelnut, almond and coconut milk ice creams available.
The Veganuary movement is opening up veganism to an increasing number of people each year as it is known to be a lifestyle that can deliver both personal and environmental benefits.
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