Planet Organic.. almost Planet Manel, haha! There are 7 stores throughout London now, but they opened the first store in 1995. I really like the Planet Organic stores. They look amazing and you can just see it’s good food. They also definitely remind me of the Whole Foods Market, it’s very similar. The feeling is a bit different though, as for me Planet Organic is light, simple and the stores just look a bit brighter. Like the name suggest, Planet Organic is all about organic, natural and wholesome food. All their fruit, vegetables, bread and the food cooked in the kitchen is organic. What is amazing of course and I really like it. It does make Planet Organic a little bit expensive for just the 
weekly groceries. It’s definitely a reason why I would like to have a lot of money, haha, so I can buy all my food organic. A dream! I try to buy organic where I can though. As I believe that the organic stuff out there is not necessarily too expensive, but the cheaper products are just too cheap, as cheap stuff is mostly mass production made with less quality products. I also think that if we buy more organic, the price will go slightly down. So let’s vote with our wallet! One of the best thing about Planet Organic is that they sell absolutely nothing containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colours, flavours or anything what has to do with GMO. Also they avoid hydrogenated fats in their products.
They try to be as sustainable as possible and encourage others to do so as well. For example, you can bring your own container and fill it up with cereals, coffee beans, seeds, nuts and lots more.. Which is so cool! They don’t use plastic bags and they use compostable take-away coffee cup lids. All very sustainable and truly great! Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that it’s all vegan. They are not even vegetarian as they still sell meat. And there is no such thing as sustainable meat.
They do have a large range of very good vegan products and it’s quite heavenly in that way. I really like to wander around and look at all the different products they sell. Read ingredient lists.. I can almost call it a hobby.
Planet Organic gives you the option to shop online, for the very busy people among us. So, basically everybody in London. I’ll recommend you to go to their website and have a look at the things they offer and if you buy for £50 or more the delivery is free. If you rather, just like me, go to one of their beautiful stores to have a look, you can also go to their website to find your nearest store.
Do you already know Planet Organic or are you curious about them now? I would love to hear about your experiences with Planet Organic! You can leave a comment below or show me on Instagram by using #PlanetManel. Thank you! X
There are quite some Farmers’ Markets in London. What is great, because it gives you the opportunity to buy directly from the farmer. All fruit and veggies come straight from the field into your fridge, how great is that?! A lot of Farmers’ Markets are also selling organic fruits and vegetables. You can check on the 
Unfortunately the Farmers’ Markets are not vegan. Not even vegetarian. They also sell meat, fish and other animal products. I personally really dislike that, especially if the smell is very strong. Luckily there are also some surprisingly nice vegan things to get. In my Queens Park Farmers’ Market there is a stand called 
Always when I took a certain bus I passed a very nice looking restaurant. I always thought it looked lovely, but I kind of assumed it was quite expensive and it wasn’t really for me. Until one day I did my research as I became too curious and what do you think? I was so so wrong! It turned out it’s all vegan, super healthy, alcohol-sugar-wheat free and minimum waste. Say whutt?? Yes! It was so my kind of restaurant! Omg.. it just sounds amazing doesn’t it? So I couldn’t wait to go there. The time I went was a very quiet time, what I always prefer. Having my lunch in peace. I chose the Tokyo salad, containing brown rice, avocado and seaweed. It was delicious!
The location is amazing, what else can I say about it if it’s located in Notting Hill, only my favourite area in London. They do have a second location in Shoreditch, but so far I only went to the one in Notting Hill.
I had a very nice conversation with one of the staff members and friendly staff is just a must. I had a really good time and I really enjoyed my yummy healthy salad! It’s a perfect restaurant to have a first date, meet your parents in law for the first time or for an important meeting.. you get what I mean, ‘those kind of things’!
Did you hear about Redemption already? What do you think about this amazing restaurants? Are you going to try a meal there? Please let me know! You can do this by leaving a comment below. You can also show me by tagging me on Instagram or by using #PlanetManel. Thank you! X
When I don’t feel like going all the way to the Whole Foods Market just for a few things there is this great other little shop, which is close to my work, where I can get most of the things I want. It’s a great shop, with a lot of vegan products. A lot of times I get my cheese there, my mayonnaise, some vegan treat and I can’t resist to get a space bar when I’m there.
raw bars and if you’re lucky they have some vegan snickers too, which are define! This is only the beginning, because then the section with vegan goodies (sausages, cheese, mayo, bars, yogurt etc.), plant based milk, juices, bread, biscuits and oats(you can get really big bags). They also have quite a nice selection of teas. Then there is sauces, pasta’s and rice + the babyfood. The last aisle is with nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, chocolate spread agave nectar, soaps + personal hygiene and cleaning products. Oh and behind the till there are also supplements and all sorts of remedies they offer. These are just some main things, but they have a lot of surprising products you really don’t want to miss.
‘Portobello Wholefoods’ is 100% vegetarian and has a lot of organic products. They’re located on Portobello Road, literally under the Westway bridge. It’s easy to get to from Ladbroke Grove. If you keep walking under the Westway, it’ll be right in front of you. Even if you’re just strolling down Portobello road, it’s always nice to pop in. I’m sure you’ll walk outiside with something nice. They’re open every day from 9:30-18:00 and on Sundays from 11:00-5:00.
Very very very close to me there was this cafe called ‘Zest’. The funny thing is that you kind of ‘forget’ about the cafe’s which are very close to home. It feels like normal or I think ‘I can review whenever I want to’. But then it never happens. So it took a while until I went to Zest. I always saw these very nice salads when I walked past them. So one afternoon I decided to have lunch there so I can tell you guys about it. Then the owner had some AMAZING news. From the beginning of August they were gonna go 100% vegan!! I was jumping up and down (in my head), this was really good news. Very bad news for my bank account though.. haha! 
I decided not to review Zest and wait until it was all vegan. I had lunch anyway, which was very tasty. Luckily they were going to keep a lot of the lovely salads they already had.
put in my mouth I was happier knowing this was so so so close to me. How lucky am I?! I really still cant believe it.
Please let me know if you already went here or if you’re planning to go after reading this! You can let me know in the comments below or show me on Instagram by tagging me or using #PlanetManel. Thank you! X
This will probably be our last day of summer.. 3 days of 30 degrees and then the temperature will drop with 10 degrees! ‘Last day of summer’, is quite a romantic thing.. isn’t it? All the memories you have made over the sunny (ok it’s London, so it’s only fair to also mention the rainy days.. kissing in the rain maybe?) days. What is better than ending it with 30 degrees and some vegan ice cream or frozen yogurt? Exactly, nothing! I’m sure you can find some time to catch a bus and go to Soho. Because that is where ‘Yorica’ is. ‘Yorica’ is my favourite hotspot at the moment. They are not only 100% vegan, but their ice cream, frozen yogurt and shakes are also wheat, gluten, dairy, egg and nut free!! Also all the ingredients are 100% natural and from a sustainable source. I guess it can’t get any better. OMG!
They only opened very recently and I just found out before I went on my holiday (for a month), so I had to wait.. but then when my brother came over as soon as I was back, we went to ‘Yorica’ on our last evening together. It couldn’t get any better!
It was deeeeeeeelicious! I must say that the rose was quite interesting. I liked it, but maybe not with the combination I chose. But it is definitely worth trying. The next time I’m going for the frozen yogurt, because I have a confession to make. I have never had frozen yogurt in my life. So I’m very curious about it.
I’m super excited about this new hotspot and thrilled that it’s in London! I’m so happy to share it with you guys. This is a must go hotspot! What is also very cool.. they have really good opening hours. So I’m sure you can find some time to pop in today! Today they’re open from 12:00-00:00 (until Saturday). On Sunday they’re open from 11:00-22:00 and from Mon-Wed from 12:00-22:00. Oh and check out their beautiful 
This restaurant I discovered by looking for vegan restaurants on the internet. Funny that this is in Hammersmith, because I’ve been in Hammersmith so many times and know it quite well. I never knew about this restaurant though, which is established the year I was born! You understand that I had to go. It’s very close to the station, only a 3 min walk, which makes it handy for if you come from elsewhere. Because this is a restaurant you go to for the restaurant itself. Not just a quick lunch , but a proper lunch or dinner. With a group of friends, family or your lover. It’s perfect for dining, ‘staring into each others eyes’ and chatting.
When I was looking for it and my navigation said I arrived I didn’t exactly see it straight away. Because you can’t really see the restaurant itself. You have to go through a ‘gate’, walk through a little garden, open a door, walk up stairs and there it is. A lovely restaurant. I felt quite excited when I saw what it looked like. This is what makes looking for hotspots so nice! It’s such a light place thanks to the huge window in the middle, what reaches all the way over the ceiling. Stunning! The rest of the ceiling is high, wooden and white, with industrial lights hanging down. I love it! The rest of the interior is dark and modern and the restaurant is quite big too. More than 50 people can sit down to enjoy a lovely menu.
The menu isn’t very big, but about half of it is vegan. I was there on a sunday and they have an extra sunday roast menu, where you can choose 2 dishes for £18,50 or 3 for £21,50. Overall the food is slightly expensive, but if you then compare it with what you get and where you’re sitting, I think it’s more than worth it. Looking at all the amazing things on the menu, I decided to go with the 3 courses. As I saw sweet potato as a side dish, I asked if I could have that as a starter instead of the starters you could choose from. I loveeeee sweet potato. The waitress looked a bit confused, but she said she was sure it was ok. When I got my sweet potatoes I got the confused look. In front of me was a huge sweet potato and it was almost a meal by itself. I think this is a side you should enjoy with 2 or more people. But as I’m a huge sweet potato fan and this one was just delicious I almost finished it all. As a main I ordered a burger, 
which was super delicious too. With al sorts of salads and guacamole. And last, but in this case, definitely not least.. a vegan cheesecake for dessert. It was define.. but so filling! Like I wasn’t full enough. I don’t know how, but I managed to eat it all. Must have been very tasty then.. haha! I was very full, but so satisfied after eating this lovely meal.
The whole time I was sitting there I was thinking ‘I’m definitely coming back here’! I’m sure this will be such a nice place to have a nice meal with other people. I really recommend this restaurant. A lovely place to celebrate your birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion. The staff is very friendly and you know how important I find that. I can’t find anything I dislike about this lovely restaurant. They also have a restaurant in Islington and 2 vegetarian cook books. If you’re curious about the cook books or you would like more information, pease visit their 
Do you know ‘The Gate’? Did you go to one, or maybe even both of the restaurants and what was your experience? Or are you going here after reading this? Please let me know or show me using #PlanetManel on Instagram. Thank you! X
Scream for cookies.. yes! You will scream for it like a toddler after you had some of the amazing creations from this bakery! I came across this bakery via Instagram and as soon as the words ‘vegan bakery’ appeared I was hooked. I mean.. who wouldn’t right? And if you take a look at what they make, boy!, it’s heaven on earth for sure. And if you think there is a lot of gluten and bad sugar going on here, you’re wrong. Because ‘Cookies and Scream’ are not only fully vegan, but everything is also gluten-free, low in fat, low in cholesterol and free from refined sugars. Did I mention the word ‘heaven’ yet? Oh yes I did, it just keeps popping up whilst writing this.
They have over 15 different kind of cookies and 5 different kind of brownies and this on top of a whole range of pies and donuts. To just name a few: Hot Mexican Cookies, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chillin’ Coconut Cabanas, Gosh! Peanut Butter Brownies, Tofoofoo pie, Chocola donuts and so much more. These names are just mouth-watering by itself. Next to all their baked goodies, they also have a range of shakes. Does a ‘Salted Caramel’ shake sound good to you? Or what about a ‘The Gosh Brownie’ shake, where they actually mix in a brownie? I get it when you’re overly excited by now and want to go right this minute.
In that case, ‘Cookies and Scream’ are in a lovely location in Camden Town. Walking from the tube station, you walk towards the canal, cross it and turn left. You’ll see a ‘Cookies and Scream’ sign what brings you straight to the bakery. This also means it’ll be perfect for a little break whilst discovering the lovely Camden Town. They’re open 7 days a week from 10:00-18:00. But if you want to have a bit more choice, I recommend you to go on time and not last-minute as they often sell out or you can only choose between a ‘Salted Caramel Donut’ and a ‘Gosh! Peanut Butter Brownie’. Which in that case you just get them both, haha!
For many people this is their favourite place to get falafel. And I get why. Though it’s quite a simple form, this is what you expect form a good falafel. You can choose between a white or a brown pita bread and it comes with houmous and a crispy salad. I think the simplicity is strength here. Also the falafel itself is truly delicious!
at home. It was a nice surprise. This is probably one of the reasons you’re not allowed to take pictures inside. I always ask before I take a picture somewhere, but here they weren’t very keen on it at first. After a little miscommunication and my explanation why I wanted to take a picture I luckily got permission. Yay!
work I wanted to go there as I had to kill some time, but they were just tidying everything up and so I had to look for a quick dinner elsewhere. It was a shame. Also in my opinion I think they’re quite expensive. You pay £6,00 for 1 portion. You do get a free tasty lemonade with that though, which I think is a lovely gesture.
I heard a lot about the dish Bibimbap and it made me curious. Bibimbap is a dish from Korea and basically is rice with vegetables. You pour a nice sauce over it and all the flavours come together. It’s simple, but aren’t the simple dishes always the best? When I was on my way to the lovely 
It’s a typical Asian restaurant and it looks nice and welcoming. What I really like is that the menu has pictures from every dish. This is so helpful for people who find it hard to make a decision. Also it just looks nice! Unfortunately there is not a lot of vegan on the menu, but you can order the Bibimbap with a soy sauce. Make sure you mention this, as the original sauce contains fish sauce. The portion isn’t super big, so in case you’re hungry or with more people, make sure you order some sides. Originally Bibimbap comes in a hot sizzling bowl, but you can also choose to have it in a normal bowl. As it was quite hot outside that day I decided to go for a normal bowl, but I’m sure I’d like to try one in one of those fancy hot bowls! Compared to the bowls I’ve seen before, I think this is quite a basic Bibimbap, but the veggies were fresh, the sauce perfect and it was very tasty.
Because the restaurants doesn’t have a lot of vegan options this might be a fun restaurant to go to with friends and family who are not vegan.
The Korean kitchen is a kitchen full of culture and has evolved over two thousand years. There is a lot of information about this on their 
Planet Manel 