Tucked away on a corner of Homerton High Street, The Spread Eagle introduced a fully vegan menu eight years, becoming London’s first plant-based pub. There’s no pretension or trend-chasing minimalism here — this is a proper British pub. It feels warm and lived-in. Sustainability runs through everything, from the seasonal menu to the fixtures, yet the atmosphere stays unmistakably traditional, with families, groups of friends, and even canine companions making themselves at home.
The menu is rooted in British pub classics but draws subtle influences from around the world, reflecting the diverse culture of East London. I went with two friends: one vegan, one decidedly not. As usual, I’d already extensively studied the menu in advance and knew exactly what I wanted.
I opted for the battered courgette flower, a dish I’d only eaten once before. That first time, at the original Ottolenghi restaurant on Upper Street twelve years ago, the vegetarian version was delicate and memorable. The Spread Eagle’s fully vegan take was every bit as good. Several slices of quartered courgette came fried in a pale crisp batter, but the true highlight was the flower itself, filled with a silky non-dairy ricotta that was rich and creamy. It felt indulgent yet refined, quietly asserting how unnecessary dairy can be.
For my main, there was no hesitation. My Austrian heritage demanded the aubergine schnitzel with potato salad, a dish tied so deeply to my own memories that it felt like a personal test for the kitchen. Growing up, aubergine schnitzel was my annual Christmas dinner after choosing vegetarianism at 14. It’s a schlepp to make, so it was always something special — prepared by my mum with love and Teutonic precision. And here, it was perfect; possibly even better than I remembered. A hefty eggplant wedge, soft and tender at the centre, was encased in golden, chunky breadcrumbs with a satisfying crunch. The potato salad was classic Austrian style: tangy, balanced, and unapologetically simple, complementing the schnitzel without overpowering it. It tasted like home, like tradition.
My vegan friend started with the tomato tart, a crisp base topped with soft and flavoursome juicy tomatoes, which he declared a complete success. He had originally considered the schnitzel, but after a quick chat with the pub manager, opted for the lentil pie and mash with liquor — and wasn’t disappointed. The East End classic translated beautifully into a fully plant-based dish, hearty and deeply satisfying.
Our omnivore friend began with the Greek salad, which she described as a pleasant and authentic recreation, but a little too heavy on the cucumber. She followed it with the signature mushroom burger — a creation that looked every bit the pub classic albeit entirely plant-based.
We shared two bottles of the house white, served in refillable bottles — a thoughtful sustainable touch. The wine itself was crisp and easy to drink, the kind that quietly enhances a meal without over-demanding attention.
I was the only one who ordered dessert and couldn’t resist the Eton mess. A simple mix of cream and strawberries — heavy on the strawberries — with meringue scattered on top. It was the perfect light finish: sweet but not cloying, fresh and satisfying.
Beyond the food, the whole place has just the right feel. The décor is bright, modern and inviting, the staff warm and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu. Their recommendations were spot on, and you get the sense they really care about what they’re serving.
The Spread Eagle proves that you don’t have to abandon the charm of a classic British pub to embrace a plant-based future. It’s where heritage meets innovation — and everyone, vegan or not, is welcome to pull up a chair.
Bardo Burner 