THE Spread Eagle is London’s first 100 per cent vegan pub and a true hidden gem on Homerton High St. Not only is the décor, furniture and everything behind the bar vegan-friendly – all of the food served is by Club Mexicana, one of London’s most popular vegan street foods.
The Spread Eagle project began in January 2018, when publicans Luke McLoughlin and Sherri-Lee Estabrook teamed up with Meriel Armitage, founder of Club Mexicana. The pub has since opened its doors to people from all lifestyles, who can expect fresh and vibrant Mexican-inspired food from regularly updated menus, alongside carefully selected vegan tipples.
The Spread Eagle garden. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
This summer, The Spread Eagle welcomes the new Ribs and Roots BBQ menu, a selection of Texan-style BBQ dishes created for a programme of Sunday sessions – to be enjoyed in their leafy sun trap garden, with guest DJs and special edition cocktails. An alternative to the garden, during my visit on a rainy Sunday I was able to dine next to the impressive island bar inside the main room and then later I moved into the parlour room to sip cocktails next to the quirky Prince shrine wall.
A trio of tacos available on the evening menu. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
Available on the Ribs and Roots menu is the BBQ Plate main, a dish that Meriel has perfected over recent years. On the plate are Sticky Glazed “Ribs”, creamy mustard potato salad, barbequed sweetcorn with coriander butter, crisp coleslaw and house made juicy pickles. This hearty and wholesome dish alone is enough for me to visit again. The “ribs” made from a combination of jackfruit and seitan (a meat alternative made with gluten flour) – a first for me – had a delicious smoky flavour and soft texture. The sweetcorn and “ribs” may have been on the BBQ for a few minutes too long, but it made the dish feel homely and authentic.
Sticky Glazed “Ribs” available on the BBQ Plate main. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
To go with the main, you can opt for Mac & Cheeze with crispy bacon bits and jalapenos or seitan Hot Wings drizzled with sour cream and house-made pickles. My preferred side dish out of the three options were the Tater Tots; queso covered, perfectly seasoned balls of potato heaven with spicy pickled chillies.
If you still have room (or can make the room like me), there is the Happy Endings ice cream sandwich for dessert. It is the first vegan option made by this London based dessert company and it certainly lived up to its name. Wrapped up in bright paper packaging it was devilishly sweet, with corn flavoured ice cream sandwiched between a spiced smoky caramel sauce and two corn miso cookies.
The island bar inside the main room. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
I was also spoiled for choice with a cocktail menu full of liquid treats. Among my personal favourites were the summery Smoked Pineapple Cosmopolitan, which had a frothy texture made with aquafaba (chickpea water), instead of using traditional egg whites and the refreshing Gin & Chronic made with a mixture of Botanist Gin, London Botanist CBD and elderflower with a matcha sugar rim. Lavender is The New Black was one of the more interesting cocktail choices on the menu, made with activated charcoal, lavender syrup, Quiquiriqui Mezcal and garnished with a fresh juicy fig.
Lavender is The New Black. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
Mexican-Fried Chick’n Burgers, Beer Battered Tofish Tacos and Chilli Chocolate Tarts are some of the dishes on offer for the rest of the week at The Spread Eagle. On the weekend you can indulge on the Mexican-Californian brunch menu and treat yourself to food such as BLT Tacos, Huevos Rancheros or cream stuffed Blueberry Breakfast Waffles – wonderful.
Gin & Chronic. Photograph: Jade Sarkhel
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my Sunday evening at The Spread Eagle and I am looking forward to returning to tuck into the other Club Mexicana menus. Whether you are planning a visit for some evening drinks, a weekend brunch or a Sunday BBQ, The Spread Eagle has something for everyone. The staff are super friendly, mirroring the venue’s colourful vibe, and the food is reputable for being consistently good. Bookings are encouraged.
by Sally Roulston
The Spread Eagle, 224 Homerton High St, E9 6AS
The Ribs and Roots menu will be available every Sunday throughout the Summer. For all Club Mexicana menus and upcoming music events at The Spread Eagle click here