The Revival of an Iconic Vegan Cafe

LONDON, UK — Tucked away on a neighborhood street corner in the Hackney District of London, the Black Cat Cafe is one of the oldest symbols of sustainable dining in the city. This establishment has been serving an all-vegan menu spanning dozens of cuisines for ten years. Its semi-lit interior is decked out with wooden tables, a bookshelf, and a small pottery collection. Five pounds for any three porcelain pieces of your choice.

However, its peaceful atmosphere hides a rather turbulent past. Just a few months ago, the cafe’s owners left for Spain, leaving the fate of this sustainable icon unknown. The new co-owner, Charlie, told me that they had only received the necessary funds to keep the cafe running four months ago. 

Now, the cafe is working hard to rebuild its reputation. When I went, its menu seemed to be focused on vegan transformations of British classics. I ordered a breakfast set that included sausage, hash browns, eggs, and toast - all of which were made from plant products sourced in the London area. The juicy bean-based sausage and vegetable-based butter showed me just how far vegan food has come in replicating animal products.

Aside from the food, the cafe continually works to change the environment around them. The cafe’s cups and take-out packaging are all easily compostable at home, and Charlie’s next goal is to switch the old gas oven out with an electric one powered by Britain’s renewable energy sector. “The burden of sustainable living is too often pushed onto consumers,” which is why Charlie and his coworkers eagerly do their part as a restaurant to make London a greener place. With an enthusiastic staff and a big reputation (16,000 followers on Instagram), the Black Cat Cafe will likely be at the forefront of sustainable dining in the future.