Love Shack

Finding a space

When the founders of Love Shack were presented with the opportunity to buy up a derelict piece of land situated in the heart of East London, on the edge of Shoreditch in Cambridge Heath, they did everything they could to get the money together to do so. It was a raw plot in a poor state, but they managed to transform its three Victorian brickwork railway arches into a haven for London’s foodies and event-goers, building it from the ground up, reusing and recycling anything they could to create a space that would embody the values of peace, love and community.

An important mission

With the space reinvented, the owners set about their mission of forging a strong community to bring people together around vegan food and values. This ethos is something they are keen to spread through Love Shack, and they do so by offering delicious plant-based food in a warm setting that is welcoming to all. The focus is on providing incredible service that makes all of their guests, even the furry ones, feel comfortable and appreciated while also educating people about environmental issues and the benefits of being vegan, both for the individual and for the planet.

Keeping it local

As part of this, the ingredients for Love Shack’s 100% vegan restaurant are fresh and seasonal, and sourced from local, artisanal suppliers with a similar ethos where possible. This means that a lot of their products are things you won’t see elsewhere, giving the whole place a certain uniqueness. They have even been pioneers for certain brands, including Club Cultured tempeh, which has since gone on to be used in a host of popular restaurants. 

Mushrooms galore

Using delicious vegan ingredients such as these, the Love Shack chefs have built a healthy menu comprising breakfast, lunch and dinner that is based largely around sharing plates, but with some larger meals for those with a bigger appetite. There is also an emphasis on the gourmet use of mushrooms, which is in keeping with their love of all things natural. The fibrous fungus can be found in dishes like the Oyster Mushroom Wings and Lions Mane and Chaga Brownie, as well as the drinks menu, where it appears in hot brews such as the Cordyceps Coffee and alcoholic beverages like the mushroom-infused Mick Chaga cocktail. Along with these offerings, are other delectable vegan delights, including vegan brunch, burgers and an extensive list of drinks that incorporates cocktails, mocktails, wines, craft beers and even pickle juice. Everything is inspired by the adventures of those who work there, so the ever-changing menu contains a varied mix of globally inspired, meat-free meals.

Primed for events

Love Shack benefits from having a large space that accommodates a cafe, two cocktail bars, a private dining area and a restaurant. There is even an outdoor area beautifully kitted out with hammocks and other quirky features like the Love Hut, all of which allows plenty of room for people to come together, whether it be to enjoy an afternoon meal, a cocktail on a Saturday night or one of the many events hosted at the venue. With so much space available, Love Shack also acts as an events space, hosting everything from supper clubs to exhibitions to comedy nights and everything in between.

Delivering a message

This provides the perfect environment for Love Shack’s owners to deliver their vegan message to as many people as possible. By offering a fun, homely space and serving delicious plant-based food, they hope to educate and inspire through a sustainable community and a culture that challenges the status quo. This will encourage people to take up a more environmentally friendly way of life that sits in line with the restaurant’s mission, spreading love and harmony to each other and the planet.