Raw and plant-based café Rawligion to open in London

From consultant chef Kate Magic and former professional poker player John Tabatabai (pictured, right), the 360 sq ft site will focus mainly on grab-and-go, although it is expected to have between five and 10 seats inside.

The menu will use raw ingredients whenever possible, including local, seasonal and organically-grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, seeds, sea vegetables, cold-pressed oils, and cold-drip coffee. With the exception of small amounts of honey, the food and drink will not include any animal products, grains, or dairy.

Dishes will include takeaway breakfast options such as coconut yoghurt pots, chia puddings, and a coconut, banana and almond butter wrap using a wrap entirely made from coconut. There will also be snacks such as the ‘Grawnola’ trail mix, and raw chocolates such as salted caramel and peppermint thins.

Main course options will include salads, such as kale with sunflower seeds and maitake mushrooms, or raw cauliflower sushi with seaweed caviar; and pizza with crusts made with dehydrated grated courgette and seeds.

The site is also set to serve ‘artisan’ coffee from an Oji cold-drip coffee tower – a Japanese-style coffee machine that uses slowly-dripping water and paper filters to make coffee ‒ and claims to be the first restaurant in London to do so. Coffee will be served both hot and cold, alongside smoothies, fresh juices, and dairy-free milks.

The idea for the venture was inspired by a spell of poor health for owner Tabatabai, who found that sticking to a raw diet improved his symptoms and allowed him to recover. Designed to be used at lunchtime or for coffee, the site will also offer USB chargers for customers who would like to charge their phones or laptops.

Tabatabai said: “We want to revolutionise the way busy Londoners eat and change existing perceptions of plant-based food. Our delicious food and drink offering will leave you feeling both energised and invigorated.”