Plates London: UK's First Michelin-Starred Vegan Restaurant

Julia Page delves into one of London's most buzzworthy plant-based dining destinations, allowing the culinary magic to reveal itself in all its glory. Our evening kicked off with an indulgent trio of chocolate delights. We savored a rich roasted celeriac custard infused with blood orange, olive oil

Julia Page delves into one of London's most buzzworthy plant-based dining destinations, allowing the culinary magic to reveal itself in all its glory.

Our evening kicked off with an indulgent trio of chocolate delights. We savored a rich roasted celeriac custard infused with blood orange, olive oil, and dark chocolate, followed by a pristine cacao pulp consommé that was remarkably clear and pure. To cap it off, a delicate white chocolate apple truffle provided the perfect finish. And this was merely the prelude before diving into the extraordinary eight-course plant-based tasting menu. From such a promising beginning, how could anything possibly falter?

Nestled in a serene nook of Shoreditch, Kirk and Keeley Haworth's compact yet impeccably designed restaurant has shone brightly since its debut in June 2024. It earned its well-merited Michelin star in February 2025, marking it as the pioneering plant-based establishment in the UK to achieve this prestigious accolade. This accomplishment is far from trivial; it thoroughly deserves recognition. Plates is redefining vegan fine dining with audacious innovation, challenging conventions and demonstrating the pinnacle of plant-centered cuisine. At its core, the menu prioritizes bold flavors and a profound reverence for the natural world. Their commitment to sustainability shines through in every choice, with a spotlight on organic, seasonal British ingredients. Each dish reflects deep consideration, assembled with effortless elegance and expert precision. Among the highlights were the barbecued maitake mushroom paired with black bean mole, kimchi, and puffed rice—a creation that burst with texture and dissolved luxuriously on the palate. Their iconic potato, seaweed, and sweet-and-sour apricot dish offered pure comfort in every spoonful. The white onion soup, enriched with toasted almonds and liquorice, left a lasting impression, as did the flavors of banoffee pie—a heavenly blend of sweet banana, luscious caramel, and hints of bitter cocoa. This was the inaugural of two irresistible desserts that rounded out the meal.

The exceptional cuisine was elevated further by the team's thoughtfully assembled cocktail selection. Standouts included a blood orange and gochujang paloma, a redcurrant and bay leaf spritz, and a flawlessly executed meadowsweet martini that set an intoxicating tone right from the start, priming us perfectly for the feast ahead.

Beyond the flawless cuisine, Plates excels in its impeccable and genuinely warm service—Kirk Haworth himself introduced many of the courses with personal flair. What truly sets it apart is how the food feels intentionally nourishing and wholesome, never skimping on satisfaction. Diners leave feeling utterly fulfilled and radiant from the experience. Plates' brilliance extends beyond mere taste; it encompasses functionality and holistic wellbeing. Kirk's personal health odyssey has profoundly shaped his culinary vision. After grappling with Lyme disease in 2017, he revitalized his wellbeing through a plant-based approach, emphasizing nutrient-dense ingredients, gut-friendly principles, and anti-inflammatory techniques. This philosophy infuses Plates with unparalleled distinction. Here, vegan fare transcends expectations, delivering enchantment, restoration, deep fulfillment, and bursts of vibrant flavor to every guest. Kirk Haworth is nothing short of a culinary mastermind, and dining at his table is an absolute honor.

Securing a reservation proved to be an adventure in its own right, thanks to Kirk's surging popularity and devoted following. Aspiring diners must join a waitlist well in advance for booking notifications, as slots open six months ahead and vanish in moments. Yet, once you've triumphed in this festival-like booking frenzy and claimed your spot, an unparalleled treat awaits.

Kirk and Keeley's passion for the environment permeates the restaurant's understated yet opulent interiors, featuring subtle concrete finishes, warm wooden accents, and soft ambient lighting that ensures the cuisine remains the undisputed star. The cozy venue accommodates just 25 guests—explaining the intense demand—and revolves around an open kitchen. Here, Kirk and his exceptionally skilled team craft their wonders with mesmerizing, almost ritualistic accuracy. Overlooking it all is a stunning bar, dubbed the "Chef's Table," meticulously fashioned from reclaimed wood of felled London trees, underscoring their dedication to eco-conscious sourcing and authenticity.

The ambiance, amplified by seamless service, carried an unexpectedly romantic vibe. Paired with the relentless parade of delights and innovations throughout the evening, it crafted a night of pure enchantment.

Plates transcends the label of merely London's top vegan spot; it stands among the city's finest restaurants overall, elevating mindful, insightful, and downright spectacular dining to unprecedented heights. Best of luck in snagging your reservation.

Plates features an eight-course tasting menu priced at £109, with options for wine pairing at £70 or non-alcoholic pairing at £55.

Plates Restaurant:

320 Old Street, London EC1V 9DR

Call: 020 8050 6682