Vegetarian, Vegan and Allergies

Manna

London's oldest vegetarian restaurant, Manna has been going strong since 1966. Recent accolades include awards from both Time Out and the Vegetarian Society. Using only organic produce, the menu includes tempting treats such as stuffed artichokes with lavender tomato sauce.

Eat and Two Veg

Amidst the desirable shops on Marylebone High Street, Eat and Two Veg is a popular diner-style restaurant. It specialises in delicious soya versions of home-cooking favourites like shepherd's pie and also offers a range of international dishes.

Tibits

If you're looking for fast, healthy veggie food in trendy surroundings, head to Tibits in Heddon Street. There's a choice of hot dishes and salads to eat in or take away. Everything's charged by weight; just help yourself to what you fancy and take it to the counter to be weighed.

222 Veggie Vegan

A 100% vegan restaurant in West Kensington, the 222 Veggie Vegan menu excludes deep frying and refined foods such as white rice, bread and pasta. Dishes include tofu medallion piccata with spaghetti and millet rissoles with tomato sauce.

Blah Blah Blah

The wonderful Blah Blah Blah is a relaxed haven serving tasty vegetarian creations such as sweet potato ashak and asparagus and aubergine pancakes. You can also bring your own wine, making a meal here very affordable, especially when compared with eating out at non-veggie restaurants of equivalent quality.

The Gate

Head to The Gate for an upmarket meal in a converted church. The airy space has a modern decor and the menu is packed with high quality and inventive world dishes such as beetroot and horseradish potato cakes, and massaman curry.

Allergies

These days there is a growing awareness of food allergies and pre-packaged products for sale in the shops have to observe strict labelling regulations.

Visit the  Food Standards agency website for details.

Health Food Stores and Cafés

Some menus will highlight common allergens such as nuts. However, it's a good idea to check before ordering. A good option is to try health food stores and cafés. They serve many organic and whole foods and demonstrate a good awareness of allergies, offering a wide range of alternatives like dairy-free mayonnaise and bread alternatives for coeliacs.

Planet Organic and Whole Foods

These are two chains of health food shops with branches across London. Pause for a snack or stock up the larder with nutritious and tasty produce (see links below).

World Food Café

As the name suggests, the World Food Café offers international cuisine, with vegetarian dishes from Korea to Egypt to Mexico. The large dining room overlooks bustling Neal's Yard.

Food for Thought

Also in Covent Garden, Food for Thought is a busy canteen-style eatery serving large portions of hearty fare. Good value for money, it offers three courses for under £10 and there's no corkage charge for BYO (bring your own wine). The menu changes daily and includes vegan and wheat-free options.

The Grain Shop

The lunchtime queues attest to the popularity of The Grain Shop on Portobello Road. It sells excellent organic, vegetarian food. Customers choose from a wide selection of hot and cold dishes to take away.