In recent years veganism has progressively gained exposure in the public eye. Whether it be because society has become concerned with the climate crisis or because of the ever-increasing range of vegan products that are becoming available. But is veganism a movement or marketing?
Veganuary has also become an annual event since 2014. Each year millions participate and the numbers are only continuing to grow. At present, more than 3.5 million British people now identify as vegan.
In January and February, I had the opportunity to interview several restaurants in Islington and a vegan blogger. I asked them their thoughts and opinions on veganism and how they incorporate it into their business or lifestyle.
OMNOM:
Islington is home to many local vegan restaurants suited for new vegans, student vegans and those who attempted Veganuary. The volunteer led vegan restaurant “OmNom” is Islington’s latest charity ran business. The restaurant opened towards the end of Veganuary with an aim to normalise veganism and a healthy lifestyle.
Charity-based restaurant:
Yuvi Rana, owner of the business, created this space under a charity. The team consists of volunteers – of which many are students – encompassing “compassion, rather than building profits”. Being a charity, there are no shareholders, with no one getting any financial gain; the heart of this project is solely to build a community from the biggest trend of recent years.
Additionally, the newest vegan eatery not only promotes the vegan lifestyle but also helps the wider community. I spoke to Sandipan Krishna who says: “We are not paying anybody, it’s all about kindness and compassion and that’s what the world needs.”
Giving back:
The charity-based restaurant works with charities locally and globally. They ensure that every time they sell a meal in their restaurant, they donate a meal to someone who cannot afford it. One of the charities that they work with “feeds one million children in India every single day”. Also, they intend to spread their vegan lifestyle around Islington and other places in London to help the homeless.
“OmNom” promotes veganism and supports Veganuary but also highlights the opportunities that stem from this lifestyle. It creates a community that radiates positivity proving that there is so much more to Veganuary. Krishna recognises that Veganuary and veganism is “a trend that’s going to stay and continue to grow”.
I was invited to the restaurant to try the food in February. Overall, I was impressed with their creative cuisine and the soothing ambience the restaurant radiated. The food was innovative, with its mix of Indian and Western flavours. The restaurant is perfect for catch-ups with friends, date night or a family affair. Definitely somewhere to try out once it is open again!
Veganism Stereotypes:
Islington has adapted to the vegan lifestyle being a “hub” to many local businesses incorporating vegan menus. The borough is slowly encouraging society that Veganuary is more than a movement. It may seem as if the main exposure of Veganuary has become lost and forgotten. More and more people are seeing it as a ‘fashion’ rather than fully understanding the importance behind the scheme.
Stem + Glory:
Louise Palmer-Masterton founder of vegan restaurant “Stem + Glory” at Barbican decided to take the opportunity to open the restaurant. She is a “long-term vegan and keen cook” and has seen how Veganuary has affected their business in the last year. “Stem + Glory” opened at Barbican in January 2019 with the more “plant-based food delicious enough to turn everyone vegan”. The restaurant “has been taken to a whole new level” due to its increasing popularity and the rise in vegans and plant-based lifestyles.
The business flourishes all year round, especially in November and December. However, Veganuary did help the restaurant gain popularity. Not only that, Islington’s market for endorsing veganism is like no other, with locals willing to try new things.
Louise says: “Supposedly restaurants are quieter in January, but I haven’t seen any evidence of that, we are just getting busier and busier.” Louise reflects on the reason why her business thrives and puts it down to the rise of Veganuary and the general public becoming more aware of the advantages of the supposedly healthier lifestyle.
She highlights that although some may argue that veganism seems like it is all about marketing, it has “more depth” and social media has actually helped more to promote veganism as a means of ending animal suffering.
Palmer-Masterton says: “A really high percentage of people who do actually eat meat think it’s better to be vegan,” and hopes “more people stay vegan after doing Veganuary”.
Veggierad:
Local vegan blogger, but full-time junior doctor, Radhika known as “Veggierad” on Instagram has fully endorsed veganism. This first stemmed from participating in Veganuary. Being vegan for four years, Radhika decided to convert as she realised how bad the dairy industry was and how badly animals were treated. The importance of animal welfare became more apparent to her.
Radhika realises that Veganuary does have an impact. She says: “So many people are doing Veganuary as a challenge but then switching back, but then realise and make more vegan and vegetarian choices instead.”
Radhika understands that it is hard to fully convert, and it does take time, as it is a gradual process.
Her page is used to promote veganism but not to force people to instantly convert. Instead she hopes she’ll inspire and raise more awareness. “Veggierad” is used to educate people on cutting down their meat, places to go and try vegan food and where it can be bought at a reasonable price. Radhika is a strong believer that Veganuary and veganism is not a “trend” or “fashionable”. People are becoming more aware of the environmental benefits and she thinks that social media has helped to create more awareness behind the true meaning of veganism.
Why should you follow “Veggierad”?
I would recommend following “Veggierad” on Instagram as she shares her vegan favourites but also shares her journey as an A+E doctor during Covid19. Additionally, her posts and stories are certainly inspiring and eye-opening of the world of someone working on the frontline to save lives.
