After drooling for the whole week over finding so many beautiful places to eat, I had to go somewhere. Myself and Chris wanted a little trip to London so off we went, trekking pretty much the entire way across. That might be due to my need for Cake but also want for a Burger. The only problem being that it just so happens that both of those things were in two completely different areas of London. Although the positive was that we'd not been to either so that was all part of the adventure!
So Rubys of London Cakes in Greenwich and Mooshies Vegan Burgers in Shoreditch it was!
Rubys of London
The first stop was Greenwich, actually quite far from Paddington on a fun journey through some skyscrapers, over the Thames and new sightseeing spots! It was a good excuse to have a quick 2 pack of Avocado Sushi and Edamame Beans from Wasabi along the way. Best quick Sushi around London, in my humble touristy opinion.
Anyway onto Greenwich Market and the delights of the market stand that we had travelled so far to get to. Rubys of London. A bakery dedicated to Vegan cakes with a majority also being Gluten & Wheat Free with some additionally being Naturally Sweetened. I saw them on Instagram a while ago and have been dying to try some of their gorgeous cakes since. They only trade on a Saturday and Sunday in Greenwich Market so I've been waiting for a clear weekend to go.
Greenwich Market was a little smaller than I thought it would be. Though this allowed me to beeline straight for the Rubys stand featuring lines of glorious donuts, cupcakes and cookies! All looking beautifully decorated, fresh and full of promise. I could see Vegan/Gluten Free signs on many of the Cupcakes, plus the Mini Donut packets.
Chris took a shine to the Citrus Burst cupcake, which I would have taken a photo of if it had lasted longer than a minute. I decided to buy the Triple Chocolate Cupcake, Red Velvet Loaf and Mini Donut Chocolate pack of 2.
The small bite that I had of the Citrus Cupcake was beautifully lemony. The icing was so smoothly sweet and the cake crazily fluffy with a wonderfully light citrus flavour. Although I can't tell you much more, Chris enjoyed it so much that as soon as I'd seen it the rest had gone. A clear sign that the cake was as good as I thought it was.
The Triple Chocolate Cupcake was delectable. The frosting super sweet without being sickly, with the added chunk of my favourite type of chocolate, White Chocolate, sugar hearts and a Chocolate Button to give it a little texture. The cake itself was unbelievably fluffy, moist and light with a wonderfully chocolate taste.
The Mini Donuts were covered in gorgeous glazed Chocolate and sugary toppings. The donuts themselves were more of a cake in the shape of a donut, rather than having the same texture. So I guess I'd call it a Baked Donut rather than the real deal. Although it was still tasty, fresh and a good bitesize treat.
The Red Velvet Loaf was incredibly delicious. The Icing again was beautifully smooth and sweet without being too overpowering, I think this would be down to the Vanilla flavouring and use of Cream Cheese. All Vegan of course. The chocolatey fresh Velvet Cake was super fluffy again and was just the right amount in it's little loaf casing.
As a side note, I didn't eat all of the Cake in the same day. I saved the Donut for Breakfast and the Red Velvet for my afternoon snack today. So in that respect, I can say that the cakes are still brilliantly fresh the next day. Definitely a sign of a high quality, well made cake.
I would say it is between the Red Velvet Loaf and Triple Chocolate Cupcake for my favourite. Although if all GFV cakes tasted like that they would all be my favourite. Ruby's get a huge thumbs up from me, I wish they could supply in an easier way. Though it probably would be a good idea not to, I might get a bit fat!
Mooshies Vegan Burgers
This is one of the places I found whilst stalking Happy Cow this week. It was so highly rated and raved about by my fellow Vegans I had no choice but to check it out. Even if it meant we went all across London again to find it. I realised Shoreditch was a great place for me, I saw Vegan signs on restaurants everywhere. However tempting that was I had Mooshies in mind and there was no stopping me. Well apart from maybe a small break so Chris could have something to eat.
We found Mooshies on a busy street in Shoreditch. The place itself wasn't any different. For 3:30 in the afternoon it was packed full of people. It is a grab a seat where you can kind of place, so naturally I squished my chunk of a boyfriend in the middle of a bench against the wall. Poor guy didn't move the whole time we were there. The restaurant is pretty small though so I think they've planned it the best way they can. They were definitely refilling the seats as quickly as they were emptied, just shows how popular this place is.
You can see why, just walking to the till to place my order I saw how much people were enjoying the food. The burgers were all oozing full of contents and every person that had one was also carrying a smile. I ordered the Whats your Beef? Burger and Cheesy Fries on the side. I was tempted by the Pulled Jackfruit burger but as I wasn't all that convinced the first time I tried Jackfruit and we had travelled so far I wanted something I knew I'd enjoy.
The Whats your Beef Burger has a Quinoa and Black Bean Patty, Mooshies Burger Sauce, Caramelised Onions, Vegan Cheese, Gherkins and Lettuce in a Gluten Free Vegan Brioche Bun. I mean who wouldn't want to eat something like that?
Just reliving this junk food glory is making me drool. The burger was so big I couldn't even fit it in my mouth. The patty was gloriously smooshy, tasty and the perfect comparison to a beef patty without the need for the real thing. My favourite part of the burger has to be the Mooshies Burger Sauce, indescribably delicious. It brought the whole thing together. The Bun was surprisingly amazing, I was worried it wasn't going to be any good as many places struggle with a GFV Burger Bun. Usually there just isn't one, Mooshies had my back though. The whole thing was like a masterpiece created just for me.
The chips were pretty standard, nothing to write home about and the cheese on them didn't melt which is a shame. I love it when the Vegan Cheese melts and makes everything gooey. One thing to improve I guess, yet when you have such a desirable main piece a few chips aren't going to stop us from coming.
I must admit my dreams came true as I held the whole thing in my hands. I had sauce dripping everywhere, fillings falling out and hands covered yet I had the biggest grin on my face. Never have I eaten something so messy and been so proud of myself at the same time. I'm sure at this moment I realised completely that GFV food is still amazing and people need to understand how my eating is just as good as anyone else's.
Mooshies you are legendary. Thank you.
Anyone planning a trip to London, you need to visit these places. Maybe don't be as crazy as me and visit them on different days, plan the journeys a little better. Although I had a great day and enjoyed some of the best Gluten Free Vegan food London has to offer, I was exhausted and we spent most of it on the train. Next time, we'll do better.
Speaking of next time, I'm coming for Temple of Seitan. Apparently I can have the Wing wrap so you know I'll be there. Anyone who's a friend to my stomach, shall have my Gluten Free Vegan heart forever.
I'm off to Center Parcs tomorrow! A week of relaxation, so I'll be switching off from blogs until next weekend. Have a wonderful week, see you then to share my week's food explorations!