London's Unity Diner, a not-for-profit vegan restaurant known for its 3D-printed 'vegan steak' and 'tofish', announced its closure in 2024, sparking emotional reactions from customers. Co-founder Andy Crumpton noted that supporters were 'crying and hugging the staff', reflecting a broader trend of plant-based eateries shutting down despite apparent success.
Other popular vegan venues that have closed include Rudy's Vegan Diner, Halo Burger, Neat Burger in London, as well as The Glasvegan in Glasgow, Veggie Republic in Liverpool, and Jungle Bird in Birmingham. The closures have left many in the vegan community lamenting the loss of their favourite spots.
Two main theories explain the trend: the struggling hospitality industry and negative discourse around veganism, including myths about protein and ultra-processed foods. However, interest in veganism continues to rise, with about 2 million Britons now identifying as vegan or plant-based, according to the Vegan Society's Damian Watson.
Further highlighting the shift, New York's Eleven Madison Park, the only three-Michelin-starred plant-based restaurant, announced it would reintroduce meat this autumn. Head chef Daniel Humm said the move aimed to 'let everyone participate around the table', but it drew criticism from followers, with one Instagram user calling it a 'backwards move' focused on profit over ethics.
Vegan influencer Clare Every, who runs The Little London Vegan blog, noted that her followers often alert her to closures she was unaware of. Many British vegans cite The Vurger Co., founded by Rachel Hugh in 2016 with four stores and a cookbook, as a particularly painful loss in the ongoing crisis.
