Sustainability. The word is on everyone's lips. And it seems the message has now made it's way to the culinary world. Restaurants and bars across London are embracing eco-friendly attitudes, with foraged foods offerings, upcycled furnishings, zero-waste drinks and small-farm sourcing leading the charge. We've saved you the effort of having to search around and found some of the best sustainable drinking and dining spots around the city. So check 'em out and join the renewable revolution.
Silo, Hackney Wick
For: Zero-waste dining
They say necessity is the mother of all inventions and this eatery proves it.
Following its popular stint in Brighton, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, Silo, has now made the move up London. Pop over to the environmentally-friendly Hackney Wick spot and tuck into a novel six-course tasting menu (£50) of seasonally-changing dishes such as blood radish canneloni and pumpkin ice cream.
Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle
For: Low waste and community-centred initiatives.
The OG London food hall is moving even further up in our good books.
One of our favourite market halls, Mercato Metropolitano are gaining further brownie points for their sustainable ethos. Not only do they ban single-use plastic and offer up their leftovers on popular app, Too Good To Go, but they’ve also created a feasible manifesto based around supporting small farms, protecting the environment and giving back to the community. Kudos to that.
Quaglino’s, West End
For: Ethical drinking
The iconic bar is also at the forefront of innovative and sustainable drinking.
If you’re looking for cocktails with a conscience look no further than this gorgeous West End haunt. Quaglino's have created The Blossom (£16), the world’s most sustainable tipple. Available on a day-to-day basis, the zero-waste drink uses leftover kitchen ingredients, including purple carrot peelings and jasmine rice water. The icing on the cake? It’s even served in an edible cup.
Native, London Bridge
For: Foraged food
Almost to pretty to eat. Almost.
One of the first London restaurants to champion the use of foraging, Native has garnered acclaim and numerous awards for its forward-thinking approach to dining. Innovative cooking methods and refreshingly unique a la carte and tasting menus make this Southwark Street eatery a must for a delicious meal.
Duke of Cambridge, Islington
For: Upcycled chic
We can definitely get behind pub grub with an organic twist.
Duke of Cambridge proves sustainability isn’t just for new, millennial restaurants but can also be embraced by good old pubs too. Kitted out with upcycled furniture, the Islington boozer serves up a selection of biodynamic wines, craft brews and botanical spirits accompanied by an organic food menu of all the classics.
Hawksmoor, Spitalfields
For: Award-winning food from eco-champions.
Who knew the renowned steak connoisseurs were such pioneers?
Rated three stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, Hawksmoor are leading the way in terms of positive climate and social change. The steakhouse pros are invested in a number of initiatives, with everything from ethical sourcing practices, local charity work and even using recycled furnishings throughout its restaurants.
Shane’s On Canalside, Hackney Wick
For: Comfort food favourites with an eco-friendly twist
Brunch, cocktails or maybe just a couple of small plates? This all-day eatery's got you covered.
When it comes to eating out, it doesn’t get much more sustainable than Shane’s On Canalside. Foraged veg, wild meats and line-caught fish make up the restaurant's menu of classic comfort dishes, meaning you can still get all your usual sourdough pizza and burger fixes, but with a more environmental approach.
The Brigade, London Bridge
For: Community ethos
This teaching kitchen is serving up dinner with a difference.
Working to keep its environmental impact down, The Brigade's menus are created around seasonally-sourced British produce and only keeps a simple menu of international wines. However, its main draw is undoubtedly its community-centred apprenticeship scheme which has trained up thousands of homeless individuals and ex-prisoners within its eight years running.
Nine Lives, Bermondsey
For: Sustainability with style
The neighbourhood cocktail bar serving up delicious sips and making second-hand stylish.
Something of a Bermondsey hidden gem, Nine Lives is a stunning zero-waste bar that will leave you feeling saintly and also quite sloshed. Filled with a buzzy atmosphere and beautiful interior, every aspect of the cocktail bar has been lovingly sourced, from their salvaged sound system down to their seasonal cocktail menu.
Looking for more ways to be a little greener? Check out our pick of the best vegan restaurants around London, here.
