Mildreds Soho
Restaurant | London | England | United Kingdom
Plant-based cuisine in London
“Mildreds Soho” is a renowned restaurant located in London, England, that specializes in plant-based cuisine and is a staple in the city’s culinary scene. Situated in the vibrant Soho district, it is part of the Mildreds chain, which began in 1988 and has since evolved from a vegetarian eatery to a fully vegan concept. The restaurant attracts a diverse clientele—from dedicated vegans to curious meat lovers and tourists—who appreciate the fresh, colorful dishes and laid-back atmosphere. It is a place that combines international influences with a modern urban flair and has made a name for itself through its pioneering work in plant-based gastronomy.
Vegan restaurant with creative dishes
The building itself is a narrow, four-story townhouse recognized as a Grade II listed structure, which recently underwent a comprehensive renovation to give it a striking exterior in contrasting blue and orange. Inside, guests are greeted by a mix of historical charm and contemporary design: high ceilings, dark wood paneling, and playful artwork create an inviting, slightly eccentric atmosphere that perfectly matches the spirit of Soho. The lower three floors serve as dining areas, while a ground-floor bar adds extra comfort. Notably, the private dining room on the second floor appears modern and bright during the day and transforms into an intimate oasis with candlelight in the evening—ideal for special occasions.
Best cocktail bar in Soho
Culinarily, “Mildreds Soho” stands for a creative, internationally inspired cuisine that is entirely free of animal products. The dishes are prepared fresh on-site every day and are characterized by their vibrant flavors and appealing presentation. A highlight is the “Makhani Cabbage Kofta,” a dish featuring cabbage dumplings in a creamy tomato-cashew curry sauce, often enhanced with okra and cauliflower, and typically served with pilau rice. The “Amba Chick’n Kebabs,” featuring a spicy Amba sauce that adds an oriental twist, are equally popular and manage to win over even skeptics of vegan cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Millionaires Chocolate Tart” offers a rich chocolate and caramel flavor, perfectly harmonizing with the lightness of the plant-based ingredients. The dishes are not only impressive in taste but also a visual delight, making the visit a thoroughly sensory experience.
International cuisine without animal products
The beverage selection is equally diverse and thoughtfully curated. The cocktail menu features both classics and original creations, garnished with natural embellishments like edible flowers—a detail that underscores the plant-based philosophy. The “Spicy Pineapple Martini” stands out with its fruity spiciness, while the “Pink Citrus Spritz” impresses with its fresh lightness. In addition to cocktails, there is a selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options that perfectly complement the food. The restaurant is also known for its generous happy hour offerings, making the enjoyment of drinks even more appealing.
Cozy restaurant for special occasions
The history of “Mildreds” began in 1988 in a small location in Soho, with the vision of bringing vegetarian food out of the dusty corner of 60s clichés and making it modern, delicious, and accessible. Founders Jane Muir and Diane Thomas sought to create a place that offered fresh, international cuisine at a good price-performance ratio—a concept that immediately resonated. After moving to its current location and fully transitioning to a vegan menu in 2021, “Mildreds Soho” has established itself as a trailblazer that even “die-hard carnivores” can’t resist, as is often said. Today, it is one of six Mildreds restaurants in London, each with its own character but sharing the same passion for high-quality, seasonal ingredients and small, sustainable suppliers.
The atmosphere at “Mildreds Soho” is lively and casual, marked by friendly service and a young, dynamic clientele. However, it can become quite busy and loud during peak hours, which may not be to everyone’s taste—a fact often accepted as part of Soho’s character. The staff is known for their helpfulness and knowledge of the menu, which is particularly appreciated by guests with special dietary needs. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free selection and the option to order takeout, highlighting its flexibility.
