One of London's most celebrated plant-based dining destinations is expanding its footprint across the capital. Holy Carrot, the acclaimed restaurant from Notting Hill, has confirmed it will open a second location in the historic Spitalfields area this coming March.
A New Chapter with a Subtle Shift
The new Holy Carrot branch, set to launch at 61-63 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA on March 13, 2026, will bring the restaurant's celebrated vegetable-focused cuisine to East London. However, the Spitalfields venue will introduce a notable, though not radical, evolution in its culinary philosophy.
While the original Portobello Road establishment operates as a fully vegan restaurant, the new location will adopt a vegetarian approach. This means some dishes will incorporate dairy elements, particularly cheese, though the kitchen will continue to offer numerous vegan options. The team emphasises this is not a complete departure from their roots, but rather an expansion of their culinary repertoire.
The Vision Behind the Expansion
Holy Carrot was founded by restaurateur Irina Linovich, a former fashion journalist, and chef Daniel Watkins, who previously worked at Dalston's innovative Acme Fire Cult. The restaurant began as a supper club before establishing a Knightsbridge residency and finally opening its first permanent restaurant on Portobello Road in 2024.
The establishment quickly garnered critical acclaim, with Time Out awarding it a glowing four-star review upon its debut. The publication praised dishes like the crispy celeriac with pickle butter, noting that while Holy Carrot's innovation was "dependable, not reckless," it came remarkably close to mind-blowing.
What to Expect at the New Venue
The Holy Carrot team has outlined their vision for the Spitalfields location, stating it will be "a new space shaped by the same principles; vegetables, fire and fermentation." Patrons can anticipate familiar favourites prepared with the restaurant's signature care, alongside new creations designed for sharing.
A hallmark of Holy Carrot's culinary identity is its dedication to fermentation techniques and pickled ingredients, a feature that will be prominently showcased at the new Brushfield Street site. The restaurant has built its reputation on transforming humble vegetables into sophisticated, flavour-packed dishes through careful preparation and innovative cooking methods.
Context and Reception
Holy Carrot's expansion occurs within London's dynamic and competitive plant-based dining scene. The original restaurant has been consistently featured on lists of the capital's best vegan establishments, reflecting both its culinary excellence and the growing public appetite for vegetable-forward dining.
The decision to open a second location in Spitalfields, a vibrant area known for its market, historic architecture, and diverse food offerings, represents a strategic move to reach new audiences while maintaining the core values that established the brand's success.
This development underscores the continued evolution and maturation of London's vegetarian and vegan restaurant sector, where established names are growing their presence and refining their offerings to meet changing consumer preferences and explore new culinary territories.
