On 22nd January, The Spread Eagle will mark their first birthday as London’s first 100% vegan pub. Founders Luke McLoughlin, Sherri-lee Estabrook and Meriel Armitage have had a huge first year, pouring over 60,000 vegan pints, with Meriel’s Club Mexicana serving 50,000 vegan tacos. To celebrate, the team are throwing a Veganza bash, with a new veganuary menu and margaritas on the house.
“One year on, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, as a pub, but also as part of the wider vegan community. For us, ‘Veganuary’ isn’t about cleansing after Christmas, or a minority movement, it’s a philosophy that is becoming ever more mainstream and we are proud to be at the forefront. A few years ago you’d never have imagined an East End boozer being turned vegan, nor would you have thought a Greggs vegan sausage roll was on the cards” says Meriel. “What a year! From the regulars who have been with us every step of the way to the omnivores and vegans alike who’ve trekked across London and beyond, we wanted to start January with a bang and celebrate this vibrant, important movement with everyone, from seasoned vegans to first timers” adds Luke.
For their Veganza birthday party, the first 100 people through the doors of the Homerton pub will get The Spread Eagle’s house-faves, a Margarita and a Mexican Fried Chicken slider on the house. Then celebrate through the night with The Spread Eagle’s usual dose of revelry, music, jugs of Sherri’s vegan cocktails and a selection of craft vegan beers all accompanied by a menu of Club Mexicana classics. Dishes include the famed Baja Tofish tacos with pickled cabbage, salsa verde, sour cream and pickled chillies, Mexican fried Chick’n Wings with hot sauce and their ever popular Deep fried cheese and Cauliflower bites with pomegranate and coriander. DJ Renata will be behind the decks, mixing her eclectic disco tunes for the evening’s soundtrack until the early hours.
Throughout the month, The Spread Eagle will be offering 2-4-1 on their mocktails with drinks including Bloody Marys, Piña Coladas and Beetroot and Ginger Shrubs. They will also be serving up an indulgent Veganuary menu featuring dishes of Pozole verde with tomatillos; braised jackfruit in a tomato, jalapeno, coriander and lime broth, and Meriel’s latest creation; Sticky Glazed Achiote ‘Ribs’. For dessert, there’ll be Dark Chocolate Orange tart with candied citrus and whipped cream and an East London ‘Cheese’ Board.