The Independent London Cafés Getting Me Through Lockdown Number 3.

One of my absolute favourite things about living in London is that there is never a shortage of local, independent cafés and restaurants to explore. There is almost too much choice  even as vegans (you should see us struggling to choose a takeaway)! Lockdown has meant that, like most people, we are shopping and eating locally more than ever, and supporting small businesses is something that I'm very  passionate about. There are a few places that we visit regularly (weekly in some cases), for coffee, lunch and groceries, and I want to show them some love and spread the word.

Pipoca Vegan, Brixton.
SW9 6AH

We are so fortunate to have Pipoca on our doorstep. Whether we need pasta, vegan cheese, personal care products or something for the house, they have us covered. Not only are they a café with an entirely vegan menu, they stock a huge range of packaging-free food, cleaning supplies, health, beauty and home products. Once a week we grab our tubs and head over there to top up on everything from chickpeas to maple syrup, candles to houseplants. They also stock the most extensive range of vegan chocolate brands I've ever seen! The beautiful bunches of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling make this place totally Instagram worthy and you can grab a seat outside and watch the world go by while you eat your crepes (once lockdown is over, obviously). 
(Closed on Mondays).

24 the Oval.
SW9 0JG

Let's try to focus on the positives to come out of 2020. While it's a huge shame that so many restaurants can't trade right now, 24 the Oval have been able to support farmers who would usually supply restaurants by turning their space into a farmer's market. We haven't eaten here before (they don't seem to offer many vegan options) but we buy the majority of our fruit and veg from them. Most things come packaging free, they have their own brewery in the cellar and if you're quick enough you might be able to grab a warm sourdough loaf. Check them out for leeks the length of your arm, yellow carrots and a coffee for the road*.
* No decaf available, just FYI.

Tennis Cafe, Burgess Park.

SE5 7LA

We only discovered Tennis Café a couple of weeks ago but it has quickly cemented itself as a favourite. We have to walk for 40 minutes to get there, but it's worth it. Situated in Burgess Park, this place always seems packed full of humans AND dogs. The coffee is good and they have lots of vegan food options to take away. When we first visited we stuck with coffee and a doughnut but the second time we went especially for the vegan toasties. We tried the "tuna" melt and the reuben, both of which were delicious, especially give that I'm particularly fussy about vegan cheese! I'm excited to visit their big brother Louie Louie in Walworth once we can sit inside coffee shops again...

The Roasting, Pimlico.

SW1V 2LY

The walk to Pimlico has become a regular one for us and I love wandering the beautiful (posh) streets with a coffee or hot chocolate from The Roasting. They have multiple coffees to choose from and their interior is the perfect mix of minimal and vintage (with lots of cool paraphernalia to examine while you wait for your drinks). You can usually pick up a vegan croissant or cake if you fancy something sweet, too!

If you live in London (or you're visiting, of course) I really recommend visiting any of these lovely, independent businesses. Shop local, shop small and most importantly, remember your keep-cup!

Jen xo