STOP THE PRESS! I’VE FOUND A MENU THAT NOT ONLY CATERS FOR VEGGIES AND VEGANS (ALONGSIDE YOU CARNIVORES OUT THERE), BUT OFFERS A RANGE OF OPTIONS THAT AREN’T BASED AROUND A SUPERFOOD DIET. PRAISE BE THE DEAD DOLLS HOUSE IN ISLINGTON.

Ok before I get started I want to point out that I am not a preachy vegetarian. I’ve been veggie for 33 years and no one can explain it… not least my Irish Catholic parents whose natural instinct was to raise me on boiled gammon and pork chops. But I refused to eat meat and my parents being the legends that they are, took it in their stride and upped my potato intake instead. *Shoutout to Moira and Harry*

What I’m trying to say here is that I’m used to going to restaurants and there being only one option… in fact it is my presumption that whilst the meat eaters around the table fuss and ask “Is there anything for you here Laura?” (insert eye roll emoji) I will smile and reply “Oh yes, don’t worry about me…” whilst figuring out how many of the side dishes will make up a full meal.

But why are you telling us this Laura?

Well after years of going go to veggie restaurants with reluctant friends and partners or making do with a quinoa salad whilst my friends pour gravy on their hot steamy dinners, it seems the tide may be a turning.

The Dead Dolls House is one of the very few places that i’ve been and not been made to feel like I’m any different from anyone else. They have seamlessly incorporated veggie, vegan, meat AND fish options into their menu with multiple choices for all.

Now don’t be put off by the name… I can guarantee you the only scary thing about this place is how well they managed to nail their menu.

Let me set the scene...

It's a cold, wet Thursday evening in January. I take my meat-eating brother with me to try out the new a la carte menu at The Dead Dolls House on Upper Street in Islington. It's an impressive three-storey Victorian townhouse. I can tell this this is a classy venue.

We're seated. Everything on the menu sounds delicious. For once I can't decide. You could say we were spoilt for choice. We eat in the Parlour Bar on the ground floor. The atmosphere's relaxed, yet exciting. The DJ plays RnB which is a vibe that I'm 100% behind. 

Adriano serves us. He's a joy. The right mix of friendly without being intruding. He writes our order down on paper... with an actual pen. I strongly consider hugging him.

The ambience and music take over… the initial plan to stick to soft drinks is out the window. I'm sipping on a Gin Swizzler before I know what's happening. It's a divine blend of gin, triple sec, maraschino, grapefruit and pineapple. I forget it's January, let alone it being dry. Two Swizzlers down and the starters arrives. I feel like the chef knows me, like they have a window into my mind and all the things I desire.

Because there's bread… and lots of it. Charcoal grilled bread that's still hot when it arrives at the table.

There's dips… guacamole, tzatziki and hummus. There's steamed Chinese bao’s with tofu, lettuce, pickles and sriracha. Chicken ones for the brother with chipotle mayo and sriracha.

Then disaster...

...we feel like we're getting full.

We take a breath. We won't give up. "Adriano, bring us the mains!" They arrive. Brother has the veggie poke bowl. It has edamame, kale, pickled ginger. There's avocado, roast mushrooms, cucumber and sesame. It's topped off with a poached egg, cooked to perfection.

I have the vegan leek and mushroom pie with mash and gravy to accompany. I later find out it's gluten free and i'm shocked... I didn't know gluten free could taste so good. 

Words & Photos ~ Laura Gibson

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