If you're wandering through London’s museums-whether it’s the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, or the V&A-you don’t want to spend half your afternoon hunting for food that actually tastes good and doesn’t compromise your values. Luckily, London’s vegan scene has exploded over the last five years, and now you can grab a hearty, delicious meal right around the corner from where you’re staring at dinosaurs or Van Goghs.
Right Outside Tate Modern: The Plant Based Kitchen
Just a three-minute walk from Tate Modern’s main entrance on Bankside, The Plant Based Kitchen is a no-frills, high-energy vegan spot that serves up loaded bowls, jackfruit tacos, and their famous crispy cauliflower burgers. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., so you can pop in before your morning exhibit or after your afternoon coffee break. Their Superfood Bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, kale, avocado, and tahini dressing costs £11.50 and fills you up for hours. No one’s waiting in line at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday, but by 1 p.m., it’s packed. Pro tip: Order ahead via their app to skip the queue.
Next to the Natural History Museum: Mildred’s
Head west to South Kensington, and you’ll find Mildred’s is a long-standing vegan favorite since 2004, right across the street from the Natural History Museum’s main entrance. The menu leans comfort food-think vegan fish and chips with mushy peas, mac and cheese made with cashew cheese, and their legendary vegan Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding. It’s not cheap-main dishes hover around £14-but it’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re eating at your grandma’s house, if your grandma was a plant-based chef from Brighton. They have a small outdoor seating area, perfect for people-watching after you’ve seen the dinosaurs.
By the Victoria and Albert Museum: The V&A Café’s Vegan Menu
You might not expect a museum café to serve great vegan food, but The V&A Café has quietly become one of the best in the city. Their vegan options are clearly marked on the menu, and they change seasonally. Right now, you’ll find a roasted beetroot and walnut salad with pomegranate and mint, or a jackfruit bao bun with pickled daikon. The best part? You can eat it surrounded by 18th-century porcelain and tapestries. Prices are museum-level reasonable: £7.50 for a main, £4 for a pastry. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean, fast, and right where you already are.
Close to the British Museum: Farmacy
Just a 10-minute walk from the British Museum’s Great Russell Street entrance, Farmacy is a sleek, green-living space that blends café, juice bar, and wellness hub. Their Golden Turmeric Latte and Superfood Smoothie Bowl are Instagram favorites, but their savory options are just as strong. Try the Tempeh Reuben on rye with cashew cheese and sauerkraut-it’s the only vegan Reuben in London that actually tastes like the real thing. Lunch runs £12-16, and they serve coffee from a local roaster, Onyx Coffee. It’s quiet, airy, and perfect if you need a break from crowds but still want something substantial.
By the Science Museum: The Vegan Kitchen
Down in South Kensington, tucked between the Science Museum and the Royal Albert Hall, The Vegan Kitchen is a tiny, no-sign, no-frills takeout spot that’s been serving locals since 2018. You’ll find it on Thurloe Place, next to a laundromat. The menu is short but powerful: vegan bolognese pasta, chickpea curry, lentil stew, and their award-winning vegan sausage roll. Everything is under £10, and you can eat it on the bench outside while watching the world go by. They don’t take cards, so bring cash. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real, fast, and made with care.
Quick Vegan Snacks for When You’re in a Rush
Sometimes you just need a sandwich, a muffin, or a coffee. Here are three spots near major museums where you can grab something vegan in under five minutes:
- Booja Booja (near the National Gallery): Vegan chocolate truffles and caramel squares-perfect for a sweet pick-me-up.
- Whole Foods Market (near the Science Museum): Their hot bar has rotating vegan mains like roasted veggie bowls and lentil patties. £6.99 for a full portion.
- Greggs (multiple locations near museums): Their vegan sausage roll is now a permanent fixture. It’s not gourmet, but it’s cheap, filling, and available everywhere.
What Makes a Great Vegan Spot Near a Museum?
Not all vegan places are created equal when you’re juggling tickets, maps, and tired feet. Here’s what works:
- Proximity: Within 5-10 minutes walking distance. If you have to take a bus, you’re probably better off eating at the museum café.
- Speed: Can you get in, eat, and get back out in 30 minutes? That’s the sweet spot.
- Clarity: The menu should clearly mark vegan items. No guessing games.
- Quality: Vegan doesn’t mean bland. The food should taste satisfying, not like a compromise.
That’s why places like Mildred’s and The Plant Based Kitchen work-they don’t just serve vegan food. They serve food you’d crave even if you weren’t vegan.
What to Avoid
Don’t fall for places that call themselves "vegan-friendly" but only have one sad salad on the menu. Or worse-those that use "plant-based" as a buzzword but still serve fake meats with 17 unpronounceable ingredients. Stick to spots that use whole foods: legumes, grains, seasonal veggies, nuts, and seeds. If the ingredient list looks like a chemistry textbook, walk away.
Also avoid places that close early. Most museums close at 5:30 p.m., and if the café shuts at 5, you’re out of luck. Always check opening hours. A few places, like Farmacy, stay open until 9 p.m., which is great if you’re catching an evening exhibit.
Final Tip: Bring a Reusable Container
Many of these spots will let you take leftovers to go-if you bring your own container. It’s not just eco-friendly; it’s practical. If you’re visiting multiple museums in one day, a small container of curry or soup from The Vegan Kitchen can become your next meal. Some places even offer a 50p discount for bringing your own cup or container.
Are there vegan options at museum cafés?
Yes, most major London museums now have at least one solid vegan option. The V&A, Tate Modern, and Science Museum cafés all clearly label vegan items. Some even have full vegan menus. The British Museum’s café has a vegan sandwich and soup daily. Always ask if you’re unsure-the staff are usually happy to help.
Can I get vegan food near museums on weekends?
Absolutely. Most of these spots are open seven days a week, including weekends. Mildred’s and The Plant Based Kitchen are especially busy on Saturdays, so plan to arrive early or order ahead. The Vegan Kitchen closes at 6 p.m. on weekends, so don’t wait until after 5:30 p.m.
Is vegan food more expensive in London?
It used to be, but not anymore. While some specialty spots charge £15 for a bowl, places like The Vegan Kitchen and Greggs prove you can eat well for under £10. The price gap between vegan and non-vegan meals has narrowed significantly-many vegan dishes now cost the same as meat-based ones.
What’s the best vegan brunch near the museums?
For a proper brunch, head to Farmacy near the British Museum. Their avocado toast with smoked tofu and chili oil is legendary. Mildred’s also does a vegan brunch on weekends with pancakes, tofu scrambles, and vegan eggs Benedict. Book ahead if you’re going with a group.
Do any of these places have gluten-free options?
Yes. Most of the spots listed offer gluten-free alternatives. The Plant Based Kitchen has GF bread and pasta. Farmacy uses GF buns. Mildred’s can make most dishes gluten-free on request. Just say "I need gluten-free" when ordering-they’re used to it.
Next Steps: Plan Your Vegan Museum Day
Here’s a simple plan if you’re spending a day hopping between museums:
- Start at the Natural History Museum (opens at 10 a.m.).
- Walk 5 minutes to Mildred’s for lunch around 1 p.m.
- Head to the V&A (5-minute walk), grab a snack from their café at 3:30 p.m.
- End at the Tate Modern, then walk to The Plant Based Kitchen for dinner at 6:30 p.m.
You’ll eat well, see great art, and never have to wonder where your next meal is coming from. London’s vegan scene isn’t just growing-it’s thriving, right where you need it most.