Introducing Chiara
Welcome to another exciting edition of our Travel Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Chiara, a seasoned vegan explorer with an impressive background in the vegan travel space. Chiara spent several years in London and shared her experience and top recommendations for vegan travelers in this vibrant city. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, her insights promise to make your visit unforgettable. Here’s a detailed rundown of our conversation with Chiara.
Chiara’s Journey into Veganism and Travel
Chiara has been vegan for three years now, having started her journey five years ago when she stopped eating meat and gradually transitioned into veganism. She and her boyfriend made the switch together, which made it easier. After living in London for about two years, they decided to travel around the world, documenting their vegan experiences on their Instagram page. Now, Chiara continues to share her vegan travel tips and experiences through social media while living in Manchester.
Moving to London
Originally from Italy, Chiara moved to London at the age of 20 to improve her English, attend a good university, and experience something new. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in London and absolutely loved her time there.
London as a Vegan Destination
London is a city of endless opportunities with its rich history, diverse culture, and extensive activities. Despite the harsh weather, the variety of things to do more than makes up for it. London is vast, with countless unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
Unique and Unusual London Experiences
One of Chiara’s favorite experiences in London is visiting secret cocktail bars tucked away in narrow streets, often with themed entrances like detective offices from the 1920s. Another unique dining experience is having dinner inside a retired Tube train-turned-restaurant. Additionally, you can enjoy afternoon tea on a double-decker bus while touring the city. For more interesting events, Chiara recommends checking out Secret London.
Top Vegan Restaurants in London
Chiara’s favorite vegan restaurants in London include:
- Purezza: Offers the best vegan mozzarella with locations in London and Manchester. Try their Neapolitan-style pizza.
- Unity Diner: Owned by Earthling Ed, this East London restaurant serves amazing vegan fish and chips.
- Camden Town: A vegan paradise with numerous vegan restaurants like Purezza, Temple of Seitan, and Tofu Vegan.
- Farmacy in Notting Hill: Perfect for brunch, offering vegan pancakes, omelets, and smoothies.
- Mildreds: A classic choice with multiple locations in the city, offering a diverse vegan menu.
Vegan Food on the Go
London’s supermarkets have a great range of vegan ready-to-eat food. Chiara’s top recommendation is the New York style sandwich from M&S’s Plant Kitchen range.
Favorite Museums and Parks
Chiara’s favorite museum is the National Gallery for its stunning art collection. Many museums in London are free, which is fantastic. For parks, she loves Holland Park for its serene Japanese garden, Regent’s Park for its panoramic city views from Primrose Hill, and Hyde Park for its vastness and frequent events.
Safety and Transportation Tips
London is generally safe, but like any big city, it has its issues. Be mindful of your belongings, especially your phone. Avoid East London if possible, as it has higher crime rates. Public transport is excellent – the tube and buses are reliable ways to get around the city. You can use an Oyster card or simply tap in with a contactless payment method.
Best Time to Visit London
Spring (April to June) and autumn are ideal times to visit due to milder weather. Christmas is also magical with its festive lights, though it is busier.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into vegan London. With Chiara’s recommendations, your vegan journey in this incredible city will be nothing short of spectacular. Safe travels!
Other World Vegan Travel content connected with this episode
- Navigating New Territories as a Black Female Vegan Traveler
- 5 Vegan Destinations for Families | Cara Celeste West | Ep 136
- Destination Spotlight: The Awe-Inspiring Wonders of Central Puglia, Italy | Amber McLean | Ep 134
- Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Vegan Adventure of a Lifetime | Daniel Kyara | BONUS EPISODE
- Sri Lanka Unveiled: Vegan Travel, Yoga, and Transformation | Alexander Keil | Ep 131
- Adventures Volunteering Around the World with WWOOF and WorkAway | Carla Bragagnini | Ep 119
- I’m Vegan and My Husband Isn’t, Here’s How We Travel Together! | Delanie Fischer | Ep 115
