Best Vegan-Friendly Bars and Restaurants in London for Girls' Night

Going out for girls’ night in London doesn’t mean you have to compromise on food. These days, the city’s vegan scene is thriving - and it’s not just about salads and tofu. From buzzy cocktail bars with plant-based bites to full-on dining spots with bold flavors, there’s a place for every vibe. Whether you’re into rooftop lounges, hidden speakeasies, or cozy neighborhood joints, London’s vegan-friendly spots have you covered. No more scrolling through menus wondering if anything’s actually worth ordering. Here’s where to go when you want great drinks, great company, and zero animal products.

Where the Vegan Nightlife Is Really Hopping

Forget the old idea that vegan means boring. Places like Vegan Junk Food Bar A vibrant, Instagram-famous vegan fast-food spot in Shoreditch that serves loaded fries, vegan burgers, and rainbow cocktails have turned plant-based eating into a party. Open until 1 a.m., it’s loud, colorful, and packed with people who just want to have fun. Their ‘Burger of the Gods’ - a jackfruit patty with cashew cheese and caramelized onions - is the kind of thing you’ll still be talking about at 3 a.m. And yes, they have a whole section of cocktails made with plant-based spirits. The ‘Mango Margarita’? Perfect.

Then there’s The Gate An upscale vegan restaurant in Islington known for its elegant plating and inventive dishes like smoked aubergine with black garlic. It’s not a dive bar, but it’s exactly what you need when you want to feel fancy without wearing heels. Their wine list is curated with organic and vegan-certified bottles. The staff actually know which wines are vegan - a rare thing. Order the truffle arancini and the beetroot tartare. You won’t regret it.

Drinks That Don’t Need Dairy

Let’s talk cocktails. A lot of bars in London now make their own plant-based syrups, nut milks, and even vegan whipped cream. At The Clumsy Bar A cocktail bar in Shoreditch with a reputation for creative, seasonal drinks and a fully vegan menu, they use coconut cream in their piña coladas and aquafaba (chickpea brine) to make foam that lasts longer than egg whites. Their ‘Smoky Old Fashioned’ with maple-bourbon and activated charcoal is a showstopper. No one’s asking if it’s vegan - they just love it.

And then there’s Bar Zaza A retro-style cocktail bar in Soho with a vegan tapas menu and cocktails made with vegan gin and herbal liqueurs. The vibe? Think 1970s Miami meets London basement. The menu has vegan croquetas, spicy jackfruit tacos, and a ‘Miso Martini’ that’s salty, sweet, and weirdly addictive. They even have a vegan cheese board with cashew-based brie and walnut chorizo. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to go back to next week.

Spots That Feel Like Home

Sometimes, you don’t want a fancy cocktail. You want a warm bowl of ramen, a plate of loaded nachos, and a pint of IPA that doesn’t have fish bladder in it (yes, that’s a thing). Bloom A plant-based restaurant and bar in Brixton with a laid-back vibe, vegan comfort food, and live music on weekends nails that. Their vegan ramen with miso broth and charred shiitake mushrooms is rich enough to make you forget you’re not eating meat. The nachos? Covered in cashew queso, pickled jalapeños, and avocado crema. It’s messy. It’s perfect.

And if you’re in West London, head to The Vegan Society’s Pop-Up A rotating monthly pop-up in Notting Hill featuring local vegan chefs and live DJs. It’s not a permanent spot, but it’s worth checking out - especially if you’re looking for something new. Last month, a chef from Brighton served vegan paella with saffron-infused jackfruit and grilled artichokes. The DJ played 90s R&B. People danced on the tables. That’s the kind of night you remember.

What to Order (And What to Skip)

Not every vegan menu is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Go for: Dishes with whole ingredients - mushrooms, lentils, roasted veggies, legumes, nuts. These mean real flavor, not just processed substitutes.
• Avoid: ‘Vegan cheese’ that tastes like plastic. If it doesn’t melt or smell like anything, walk away.
• Drink smart: Ask if the beer or wine is vegan. Many use animal-derived fining agents. Most places now label it, but if they don’t, just ask.
• Tip: Look for places with a separate vegan menu. If it’s just one item on the main menu, they’re probably not serious.

Pro tip: Book ahead. Even casual spots like Bloom or The Clumsy Bar fill up fast on Fridays. Girls’ night out isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing anymore - it’s an event.

When You Want More Than Just Food

Some spots go beyond the plate. The Plant Based Bar A vegan bar in Camden with monthly wellness events, live acoustic sets, and vegan skincare pop-ups hosts ‘Yoga & Cocktails’ nights on the last Friday of every month. You stretch, sip a turmeric spritz, then chill on beanbags with friends. It’s not your typical girls’ night - but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try Vegan Wine Club A monthly tasting group in Peckham that explores vegan wines from around the world. It’s not a bar, but it’s a great way to meet people who care about what they drink. They’ve featured wines from Portugal, South Africa, and even a vegan sparkling rosé from Kent. You’ll leave with a new favorite bottle - and maybe a new friend.

Final Tip: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Spot

London’s vegan scene changes fast. A place that was great last year might have changed owners. A new spot opens every month. The best way to find your go-to? Just go. Ask your friends. Follow local vegan Instagram accounts. Check out the weekly ‘Vegan Nights’ list on London Vegans - it’s updated every Monday.

Girls’ night out isn’t about the food. It’s about the laughter, the stories, the way your friend’s eyes light up when she takes her first bite of that vegan chocolate cake. Find the place that feels like you. The vegan ones? They’re already waiting for you.