Fuel’s paradise: Essence Cuisine brings ambrosial vegan fare to Shoreditch

Shoreditch arrivals Bart Roman and Matthew Kenney are defying the misconception that healthy food isn’t appetising, thanks to their new vegan restaurant Essence Cuisine. Together they have devised a menu free from meat, gluten and refined sugar, without undermining flavour.

Designed by Swedish architect Andreas Bozarth Fornell – who counts Acne Studios among his clients – the interiors remove traditional tabular seating, in favour of a more pared-back approach. To wit, Essence Cuisine is fitted with benches along each wall, which are lined with cuboid tables big enough for two in a casual yet intimate setting.

The Essence nut cheese board

As delicious as they are nutritious, Essence Cuisine’s breakfasts and brunches are packed with rainbow superfoods and seasonal ingredients. Start the day with golden quinoa porridge, garbanzo scramble, or raw pancakes with candied walnuts; ease into lunch and dinner with a variety of salads and guilt-free comfort food, from raw pad thai with kelp noodles to the Essence bowl with cumin sweet potato and a heritage tomato lasagne.

Decadent desserts include lime cheesecake with ginger crumble, a raw chocolate caramel brownie and raw macaroons. Diners are invited to pair the dishes with Essence’s own selection of organic ‘Intense’ drinks and nut milks, cold-pressed cocktails and vegan biodynamic wines. This is healthy food without compromising your conscience.