In the heart of London's vibrant Old Street, a culinary revolution is quietly unfolding at Plates Vegan, a restaurant that has carved out a unique niche in the city's competitive dining scene. As the first vegan establishment in the United Kingdom to be honoured with a prestigious Michelin star, Plates Vegan is redefining plant-based cuisine, moving it far beyond the stereotypes of granola-crunching and lentil-loving hippy clichés.
A Michelin-Starred Milestone
Plates Vegan has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a Michelin star, a recognition that places it among the elite of fine dining venues across the UK. This accolade is not just a testament to the quality of its food but also a significant milestone for vegan cuisine, showcasing how plant-based dishes can compete at the highest levels of gastronomy. The restaurant's success challenges preconceived notions about vegan dining, proving that it can be sophisticated, innovative, and worthy of critical acclaim.
The Dining Experience
Stepping into Plates Vegan, guests are welcomed into a cosy, cottagecore-adjacent space that exudes warmth and charm. The ambiance is carefully curated to complement the culinary journey, with an intimate setting that feels both inviting and exclusive. However, securing a table here is no easy feat; the restaurant boasts a waiting list that stretches many months long, a clear indicator of its popularity and the high demand for its unique offerings.
The menu at Plates Vegan is a celebration of vegetables, presented in a tasting format that allows diners to explore a variety of flavours and textures. Flesh, fish, and dairy are entirely banned, but interestingly, the restaurant avoids using the V-word, perhaps in an effort to dissociate itself from outdated vegan stereotypes and position itself as a forward-thinking culinary destination. This approach works effectively, much like how Kraftwerk never labelled themselves a techno band, allowing the food to speak for itself without preconceived labels.
Visionary Vegetable Creations
At the heart of the Plates Vegan experience is its tasting menu, which features perfectly arranged bowls of visionary vegetable dishes. Each course is a work of art, meticulously crafted to highlight the natural beauty and flavours of plant-based ingredients. From vibrant salads to hearty mains, the menu offers a fine-dining experience unlike any other in London, with dishes that are both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
Expect to pay £90 for the tasting menu at lunch and £108 for dinner, making it a premium dining option. However, for those looking to enjoy this Michelin-starred experience at a more affordable price, visiting for lunch is a savvy choice, as it offers the same exceptional quality at a reduced cost.
Practical Information
Plates Vegan is located at 320 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9DR, in a bustling area known for its creative energy and culinary diversity. The restaurant's opening hours are Wednesday from 6pm to 10pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm. It's advisable to book well in advance due to the lengthy waiting list, ensuring you don't miss out on this groundbreaking dining opportunity.
In summary, Plates Vegan stands as a beacon of innovation in London's food scene, offering a Michelin-starred, plant-based fine-dining experience that challenges conventions and delights the senses. Whether you're a committed vegan or simply a food enthusiast seeking something new, this Old Street gem is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
