My Review of Redemption – A café with vegan, wheat-free, and sugar-free food that is both nutritious and delicious; with fresh smoothies, health shots, an extensive brunch and mains menu, and sweet treats to satisfy any craving.

Where: 320 Old Street, London, EC1V 9DR

Other location: 6 Chepstow Road, London, W2 5BH

Website: http://www.redemptionbar.co.uk/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/redemptionbar/

CHECKED OFF MY LIST: 24^thJUNE, 2018; 9^thSEPTEMBER, 2018

OVERVIEW:

I have always thought Redemption was the perfect restaurant for me, because the menu is exactly the kind of food I love – healthy and nutritious plant foods that are creatively and beautifully used to make the most delicious dishes.

My first piece of advice: make sure that you book a table in advance for your eating party. I made the mistake of going the first time without doing so to find that they were completely booked up, which I believe is a common occurrence – it’s a popular spot!

ATMOSPHERE:

I’ve been to Redemption twice and each time has been a fantastic experience. The environment is absolutely lovely, with a classy yet still cozy décor. There is an outdoors area which is perfect for warm weather. The staff is incredibly attentive and very friendly.

It’s also definitely set-up to be ideal for Instagram-able shots, both of the food and the location. If you’re so inclined, there’s an elegant mural of angel wings just outside the restaurant that is a favourite spot for a little Instagram photo shoot.

WHEN TO GO:

Both of my visits to Redemption were on the weekend. It makes a brilliant brunch/lunch option. The weekend menu and weekday menu differ slightly, so preview both options and determine what catches your appetite! The prices may be a bit high, but the quality of the food and the whole experience you get is equally so – it’s definitely worth it!

MY SHORTLIST:

A perusal of Redemption’s menu causes me to suffer from extreme menu indecision – it is not very often I am presented with such an extensive menu where I can literally eat everything! I definitely plan to go back to try more of it, but across my last two visits I have been able to try a pretty good spread:

Smoothies:

• ‘Green is the New Black’ smoothie – a refreshing drink made with baby spinach, avocado, cucumber, pineapple, lime, ginger, and coconut water. It had a bit of a sharp flavour, and wasn’t too sweet, which personally (as a lover of greens) I really liked!

Mains:

• Brunch: On my first trip I got the Sweetcorn and Red Pepper Pancakes, with guacamole, cherry vine tomatoes, and wild rocket – this perfectly satisfied my craving at the time for pancakes and something savoury.
• Burgers: On my second trip I got the ‘Buff Burger’ – a shitake mushroom, black bean, and ruby beet burger in an impressive oat bun, with lettuce, tomato, and caramelised red onion marmalade. It’s hard to find good vegan and gluten-free buns, but this one had great texture and taste. The burger was soft and a bit messy to eat, but was hearty and absolutely delicious. The meal was served with a tangy turmeric slaw and the chunkiest sweet potato chips I’ve ever seen (I am obsessed with sweet potatoes).
• Buddha Bowls: My friends both got the ‘Daily Buddha Bowl’ – a combination of 7 super-nourishing ingredients, which changes every single day. I had a little taste of their lentil mix with roasted aubergine and a tahini dressing, and it was super flavourful!

Puddings:

• The ‘Banoffee Pie’ was pure bliss and the highlight of my whole meal! It had a chewy oaty biscuit base with a medjool date salted caramel filling, topped with bananas, creamy coconut yoghurt cream, and caramelised walnuts.
• I also tried a bite of the ‘Key Lime Cheesecake’ which was light, fluffy, and refreshing.
• And a bite of the ‘Ruby Forest Gateau’, which was rich, chocolatey, and indulgent.

Have you been to Redemption? What were some of your favourite dishes to try?