Club Mexicana to open fully vegan pub
In partnership with publican Luke McLoughlin, The Spread Eagle in Hackney will reopen on 19 January.
Created by Club Mexicana founder Meriel Armitage, the Mexican inspired menu will draw influence from Mexican and Californian street food traders.
Small plates on rotation will include the likes of “scallops” made from king oyster mushroom poached in garlic oil; tortilla soup; vegan chorizo and dairy-free “cheez” on nachos; and deep fried “cheez” with Valentina hot sauce.
The brand’s popular tacos will be available, with fillings including jackfruit carnitas; baja ‘tofish’ and two new flavours of ‘beef’ barbacoa and ‘pork’ al pastor.
Larger menu items will include beer-battered “tofish” and chip burritos; and the MFC (Mexican Fried Chick’n) burger, with pickles and chipotle mayonnaise.
A deep fried taco, filled with ice cream and dipped in chocolate and nuts, will be available for dessert.
Whilst many beers and wines are not vegan (drinks makers commonly use egg whites, gelatine or isinglass), the rotating cask ales at The Spread Eagle will be fully vegan. There will be 16 vegan beers on tap, as well as a Spread Eagle-branded lager, and a list of small batch bottles and cocktails.
“Granted, we’re doing things a little differently, but it will still be a local pub for the community with good drink, great people and amazing food’ says McLoughlin on the pub’s new direction.
According to campaign group Veganuary, 120,000 people around the world now commit to go vegan at the start of the year, up from just 3,000 in 2014, when the campaign began.
Brands such as Rosa’s Thai, Wagamama, Comptoir Libanais and YO! Sushi have all launched vegan dishes, and vegan restaurants such as Purezza and Temple of Seitan are profiting from veganism’s new mainstream credentials, expanding to become two-site brands.
US vegan chain By Chloe is making its UK debut in early February, and US plant based company Beyond Meat is expected to bring its meat-free Beyond Burger to the UK this year.
