The Best Vegan Roast In London: LD’s Kitchen at the Black Heart

You know it’s nearly roast o’clock at The Black Heart when the biggest jug of gravy you’ve seen in your life arrives at your table. It’s time to settle in, because the best vegan Sunday roast in London is on it’s way…

The Black Heart is my go-to pub in Camden. Think dive bar vibes, low lighting and heavy metal blasting through the speakers. Established in 2009, it’s a beloved spot tucked on a side street opposite the more tourist-centric World’s End pub.

Upstairs there’s a gig venue which regularly welcomes bands from around the world. And throughout the week, LD’s Kitchen serves the original skin-on ‘mocken’ wings from their hatch at the back of the bar, dripping with punchy home-made sauces. LD’s kitchen began life in Bristol, in the kitchen of Lianna Lee Davis, and has branched out from wings to weekend brunches and Sunday Roasts.

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On Sunday afternoons at the Black Heart, the vibe is a little more mellow than usual, and the star of the show is LD’s much-loved Sunday roast. We’ve been twice now, and each visit has confirmed that the Black Heart’s Sunday offering is worthy of its accolade as London’s best vegan Sunday Roast. I’ve visited with vegans, vegetarians and carnivores, and all have sung its praises.

Ordering your roast, you can choose from three options:

Roast Mocken Breast – LD’s signature mocken, made from tofu, jackfruit and vital wheat gluten, served with a crispy skin.

Roast ‘Pork’ Tofu Belly – roasted tofu with maple mustard marinade and vegan crackling

‘Beef’ Style Steak – marinated in red wine, chargrilled and served with sage and garlic butter

I’ve tried both the mocken breast and the tofu belly – both have fantastic texture and are deliciously seasoned. Out of the two, though, the tofu ‘pork’ belly edges it in terms of my favourite – the vegan crackling is an impressive touch.

Roasts are served with all the trimmings you’d expect – potatoes, greens, carrots and lashings of rich vegan Guinness gravy.

If you’re thinking you’ll get boiled broccoli and runaway peas for your greens – think again! The Collard Greens are served southern style, with a punchy hit of garlic. On the side, soft creamed leek and spinach make the perfect complement to other textures on the plate. Carrots are beautifully glazed with maple and fennel.

Probably the most important part of a roast to me, LD’s potatoes are a true highlight. Crispy skin and fluffy in the centre, these win the accolade for some of the most delicious roast potatoes I’ve had in my lifetime (sorry Mum, yours are great too).

The portion sizes are impressive, and super filling – you won’t need to plan a big dinner after eating one! Despite this, we still always order a size of the cauliflower ‘cheeze’ to share between two – it’s creamy and rich, the perfect addition to an already-packed plate. Drench it all in the Guinness gravy, and dig in!

The LDs Kitchen x Black Heart Vegan Roast costs £18 and is available 12-6pm every Sunday. Booking in advance online is advised.

Want to explore more of London’s vegan food scene? Check these experiences out!

• Get a taste of the seaside, plant-based style, with this vegan fish and chips cookery class.
• Taste the best vegan delights in London’s alternative capital with a plant based food tour in Camden.
• Roll your own sushi at this London-based sushi making class (not vegan-specific, but plant-based option available)

More delicious London vegan eats:

• Looking for the best vegan pizza in Camden? Find it at Purezza!
• If a casual lunch is more your thing, check out the best vegan sandwiches in London at Coven of Wiches.
• Check out the plant based burger at Honest Burgers – one of the best plant-based burgers from a chain I’ve tried!