Review: Lunch at vegan restaurant Redemption Shoreditch

Being a vegan on a lockdown and living in the sticks is hard. Unlikely my city-dwelling plant-based cohorts there’s limited takeaway options out here (sadly uber eats and deliveroo haven’t arrived here yet) so having similar meals every day is getting a bit boring!

I have been thinking back to before Covid-19 to tasty meals I had out when travel was allowed, and today I want to tell you about a particularly tasty experience I had at Redemption Bar in Shoreditch.

Redemption claims to be the world’s healthiest bar-restaurant, serving up vegan, sugar-free and wheat-free food with an alcohol-free bar. with an ethos rooted firmly in caring for the planet, its animals, and ourselves.

Founded by two empowered female entrepreneurs, a businesswoman and a chef, they aim to produce exciting and delicious menus to give people maximum nutrition and taste.

There are currently 3 London locations: Shoreditch, Notting Hill and Covent Garden. I visited the Shoreditch location with a selection of my best gal pals and on arrival discovered a small restaurant tucked away on Old Street with minimal but attractive interior design with neutral wooden furniture mixed with a luxurious deep navy.

Having browsed the menu online I couldn’t wait to order. It’s a rare occasion that I get to take my friends to an all-vegan restaurant as they are all meat eaters – although most are trying to cut down on animal product consumption – it’s a real treat to know that I can have anything on the menu rather than choose from a token one or two plant-based dishes.

First, we ordered drinks and I chose the Atopia spiced citrus ‘long tonic’ – spiced citrus long drink made with hibiscus tonic and served with aromatic hibiscus flowers.

Next, the food! I knew I wanted to treat myself so I decided to go for the Korean spicy bbq jack bap made up of slow-cooked bbq jackfruit served with kimchi slaw and pickled cucumber in a soft charcoal brioche bun. The bap comes with chunky rosemary roasted potatoes.

Several of us went for the Korean spicy bbq jack bap, with the other two ladies ordering the buddha bowl special of the day and the very berry pancakes – buckwheat American style pancakes topped with coconut yoghurt, banana, berry compote and chocolate sauce.

I couldn’t get enough of the Korean spicy bbq jack bap it was so indulgent and satisfying with spicy perfectly cooked jack fruit combined with the zingy kimchi slaw and soft charcoal bun. I also loved the chunky rosemary fries which could be considered potato wedges! My friends also enjoyed their meals and there were no complaints about the lack of meat, dairy or eggs!

After our main meals, we decided to have coffee. I ordered the anti-inflammatory turmeric latte made from organic turmeric root, ginger, cinnamon, a pinch of black pepper and coconut milk. I loved the comforting warmth of spices that really came through from my latte which I enjoyed alongside one of Redemption’s peanut butter chocolate cups – just because I hadn’t treated myself enough!!

The other ladies also ordered coffee, including the mood-enhancing mocha made with a shot of espresso, chaga, guarana and cacao made with coconut milk.

My big tip would be to book a table! The place was heaving when we arrived and several people were turned away. My second tip would be don’t arrive too early for your booking – we arrived 10-15mins in advance of our booked time and as it is so small there is nowhere to wait other than in the entrance which is a very bad place to stand as it blocks up the main throughway from the kitchen to the seating!

Overall, we enjoyed our experience at Redemption in Shoreditch. The interior was stylish, the service was very friendly and helpful and the food was flavourful, comforting and satisfying. I award them 5 out of 5 stars and as soon as the lockdown is lifted I will be booking in for another indulgent lunch out.