Ethos

48 Eastcastle Street London, W1W 8DX @EthosFoods / ethosfoods.com   Deliciously different . That’s the tagline of the new vegetarian restaurant Ethos, situated just a stone’s throw from London’s bustling Oxford Circus. I visited Ethos just a few weeks after it opened its doors in September. Created by entrepeneur Jessica Kruger, the restaurant describes itself as ‘a new fast-casual food concept’, serving meat-free dishes from around the world. I tried a selection of dishes from the self-service pods, including: – Nasi Goreng, Indonesian fried rice with kecap manis – Spicy Thai Sweetcorn Fritters with Lemongrass – Loubieh – Warm Lebanese Green Beans with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Modern Panzanella – Italian Bread Salad with British heritage tomatoes, croutons and lovage – Dengaku Nasu – Japanese miso-roasted aubergine. My favourites were the Eritrean Mango & Cucumber Salad with a Spicy Peanut Sauce which was very unusual and full of flavour. I loved the vegan Spiced Rubbed Seitan Ribs, marinated and smoked on the BBQ – they were unlike anything I have ever tasted. With a rotating menu of 74 dishes, I am looking forward to returning and tasting more of Ethos’ eclectic delights. Approximately 70% of the savoury food is vegan and there are also gluten free options available. During my visit, I was assured that the coming weeks would see an improved selection of vegan desserts. Ethos is a self-service, pay by weight restaurant. Food is priced at £2.50 per 250g to eat in and £2.10 for takeaway. Given the high quality of fresh ingredients, fantastic selection of dishes and wonderful flavours, I think Ethos offers good value for money. On the weekend, you can opt for an unlimited brunch, priced at £17 per person including a hot drink and juice. The interior is very sophisticated, and at the same time relaxed, with mellow jazz music playing softly, creating a lovely atmosphere. Silver birch trees bring an element of the outdoors inside, partitioning the buffet area from the cosy, seated part of the restaurant, which can accommodate 74 people, with seating for 12 outside in good weather. I had a delightful dinner at Ethos , and it looks like a lovely place to go for afternoon tea/breakfast/brunch too. I can’t wait to go back with friends who are curious about vegetarian/vegan food as Ethos showcases the best meat-free cuisine has to offer. Reviewer: Lara Smallman