The Spread Eagle

A groundbreaking concept

Pubs are a big part of British culture, but while many of them offer vegan and veggie options, very few are fully plant-based. That’s where The Spread Eagle comes in. It is the first entirely vegan pub in London, serving a range of traditional British meals that have been adapted using fresh meat-free ingredients. All of this occurs in a homely setting so that it retains the warm and welcoming character of a classic pub.

Sustainable food

Owner Meriel Armitage is no stranger to London’s vegan scene. Along with her business partner, Luke McGaughlin, she has used her experience of opening other eateries in the capital to make The Spread Eagle a great success. Together, the pair aim to please both vegans and non-vegans alike by producing tasty food in a sustainable way. To do so, they work directly with local suppliers, including everyone from farmers to foragers, thus ensuring that their meals can be made using seasonal ingredients of the highest quality. 

Plant-based pub grub

In keeping with tradition, Armitage and her chefs have designed a menu full of familiar dishes like the hearty Sunday roast and the East End favourite Pie, Mash and Liquor. Alongside these are more globally-inspired options such as the Korean Burger, which is packed with crispy fried Chicken of the Woods or other freshly picked seasonal mushrooms. Sticky toffee pudding is a mainstay of their dessert menu, while other dishes are rotated in and out with the seasons to keep everything fresh, healthy and sustainable.

Vegan everything

The vegan ethos at The Spread Eagle is so strong that they have gone to great lengths to minimise waste and reduce their environmental footprint. Alongside the food, the extensive selection of drinks is also vegan-friendly, and even the furniture and fixtures are made from sustainable vegan materials where possible. As well as working with local breweries like Beavertown to create beers without the use of any animal products for their 14 different beer taps, they have carefully selected a list of small-batch wines and put together their own cocktail menu featuring flavourful options like their famous Tequila Sour.

Time for a party

Located in the midst of the bustling Homerton High Street and surrounded by diverse neighbourhoods, The Spread Eagle embraces its local community. It is dog-friendly and allows under-18s before 9pm, and in the evenings, its warm interior and spacious beer garden become the ideal spaces to enjoy a drink with friends or to let your hair down and have a dance. Every weekend expert DJs play music till the early hours of the morning, and those looking to celebrate a special occasion can book the space for a birthday, wedding or other event. With its delicious vegan food and welcoming atmosphere, there really is something for everyone at The Spread Eagle.