{"id":13634,"date":"2015-09-04T17:35:10","date_gmt":"2015-09-05T00:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/?p=13634"},"modified":"2020-05-20T14:25:07","modified_gmt":"2020-05-20T21:25:07","slug":"the-alpha-restaurant-1879","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/","title":{"rendered":"The Alpha Restaurant 1879"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#_HappyCow_Directory_UK_%E2%80%93_1881\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\"  >\u00a0HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 1881<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#In_1881_the_entire_UK_had_just_20_lacto-ovo_vegetarian_eating_places_22_food_stores\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\"  >In 1881 the entire UK had just 20 lacto-ovo vegetarian eating places &amp; 22 food stores.\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_first_title_is_%E2%80%98tongue_in_cheek_HappyCow_started_in_1999_this_%E2%80%98Directory_is_118_years_older_it_is_from_the_December_1881_issue_of_The_Dietetic_Reformer_Vegetarian_Messenger_%E2%80%93_more_discussion_below\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\"  >The first title is &#8216;tongue in cheek&#8217;,\u00a0HappyCow started in 1999,\u00a0this &#8216;Directory&#8217; is 118 years older, it is from the December 1881 issue of\u00a0The Dietetic Reformer &amp; Vegetarian Messenger &#8211; more discussion below.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#HappyCow_Directory_UK_%E2%80%93_2015\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\"  >HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 2015<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_UK_is_fast_approaching_2000_vegan_vegan-friendly_business_listings_in_2015\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\"  >The UK is fast approaching 2,000 vegan &amp; vegan-friendly business listings in 2015.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#England_%E2%80%93_Scotland_%E2%80%93_Wales_%E2%80%93_Northern_Ireland_%E2%80%93_The_Isle_of_Man_The_Channel_Islands_are_not_legally_part_of_the_UK\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\"  >England\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Scotland\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Wales\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Northern Ireland\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0The Isle of Man &amp; The Channel Islands are not \u00a0legally\u00a0part of the UK.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-2\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Veganisms_Exponential_Growth_in_London_UK\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\"  >Veganism&#8217;s Exponential Growth in London UK<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#London_UK_had_just_8_lacto-ovo-vegetarian_restaurants_in_1881\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\"  >London, UK had just 8 lacto-ovo-vegetarian restaurants in 1881.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#By_2008_London_so_many_vegan_vegan_friendly_businesses_that_HappyCow_had_to_%E2%80%98rework_the_city_into_7_sections\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\"  >By 2008, London so many vegan &amp; vegan friendly businesses that HappyCow had to &#8216;rework&#8217; the city into 7 sections.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Central_London_%E2%80%93_East_London_%E2%80%93_North_London_%E2%80%93_North_West_London\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\"  >Central London\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0East London\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0North London\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0North West London<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#South_East_London_%E2%80%93_South_West_London_%E2%80%93_West_London\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\"  >South East London\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0South West London\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0West London<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#London_is_now_fast_approaching_400_vegan_vegan-friendly_business_listings_on_HappyCow\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\"  >London is now fast approaching 400 vegan &amp; vegan-friendly business listings on HappyCow.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-3\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_%E2%80%98Alpha_Restaurant\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\"  >The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; Restaurant\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Alpha_Greek_%CE%86%CE%BB%CF%86%CE%B1_is_the_first_letter_of_the_Greek_alphabet_The_%E2%80%98Alpha_Restaurant_is_usually_regarded_as_being_the_first_vegetarian_restaurant_in_London_It_was_opened_in_1879_by_a_highly_%E2%80%98controversial_couple_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\"  >Alpha (Greek: \u0386\u03bb\u03c6\u03b1) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.\u00a0The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; Restaurant\u00a0is usually regarded as being the first vegetarian restaurant in London.\u00a0It\u00a0was opened in 1879 by a highly &#8216;controversial&#8217; couple &#8211;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Thomas_Low_Nichols_1815%E2%80%931901_%E2%80%93_dietitian_author_reformer_born_in_Orford_NH_As_a_journalist_and_prolific_author_he_promoted_health_foods_free_love_and_spiritualism_among_other_reforms_After_earning_a_medical_qualification_1850_he_joined_his_wife_physician_Mary_Grove_Nichols_in_training_hydropathic_physicians_They_lived_in_England_and_Europe_after_1861\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\"  >Thomas Low Nichols\u00a0(1815\u20131901) &#8211; dietitian, author, reformer; born in Orford, N.H. As a journalist and prolific author he promoted health foods, free love, and spiritualism, among other reforms. After earning a medical qualification (1850) he joined his wife, physician Mary Grove Nichols, in training hydropathic physicians. They lived in England and Europe after 1861.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Mary_Gove_Nichols_1810_%E2%80%93_1884_%E2%80%93_became_an_early_advocate_of_womens_healthcare_spreading_her_message_through_her_writings_lectures_and_clinics_She_was_influenced_by_Sylvester_Graham_hydrotherapy_and_vegetarianism_She_was_also_part_of_the_Free_Love_movement\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\"  >Mary Gove Nichols (1810 \u2013 1884) &#8211; became an early advocate of women&#8217;s healthcare, spreading her message through her writings, lectures, and clinics. She was influenced by Sylvester Graham, hydrotherapy and vegetarianism. She was also part of the Free Love movement.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Our_Ernest_Bell_vegetarian_from_1874_talking_with_Henry_B_Amos_in_1924_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\"  >Our Ernest Bell, vegetarian from ~ 1874,\u00a0talking with\u00a0Henry B. Amos in 1924 \u2013<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#%E2%80%9CIn_my_early_days_a_vegetarian_was_looked_upon_as_a_poor_misguided_crank_who_was_expected_to_apologise_for_his_%E2%80%98queer_ways_Now_it_is_the_meat-eater_who_apologises_for_his_ways_In_London_there_were_no_vegetarian_dining_places_until_Dr_Nichols_in_1879_opened_the_%E2%80%98Alpha_Restaurant_in_Oxford_Street_Now_there_are_many_and_most_of_the_others_have_a_vegetarian_section%E2%80%9D_%E2%80%93_the_interview_in_full_%E2%80%93_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\"  >\u201cIn my early days a vegetarian was looked upon as a poor misguided crank who was expected to apologise for his \u2018queer\u2019 ways. Now, it is the meat-eater who apologises for his ways. In London there were no vegetarian dining places until Dr. Nichols, in 1879, opened the \u2018Alpha\u2019 Restaurant, in Oxford Street. Now, there are many, and most of the others have a vegetarian section.\u201d &#8211; the interview in full \u2013 here.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#An_1889_%E2%80%98Alpha_menu_in_the_British_Library_%E2%80%93_reproduced_with_permision_%E2%80%93_C_British_Library_Board_Evan6835\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\"  >An 1889 &#8216;Alpha&#8217; menu in the British Library &#8211; reproduced with permision &#8211;\u00a0(C) British Library Board Evan.6835<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#In_our_Ernest_Bell_Library_we_have_an_original_magazine_%E2%80%98review_of_a_dinner_enjoyed_at_the_%E2%80%98Alpha_in_1880_It_was_written_by_a_scholar_Transcribed_after_decoding_the_Latin_references_%E2%80%93_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\"  >In our Ernest Bell Library, we have an original magazine &#8216;review&#8217; of a dinner enjoyed at the &#8216;Alpha&#8217; in 1880. It was written by a scholar. Transcribed, after decoding the Latin references, &#8211; here.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#We_have_special_affection_for_Thomas_Low_Nichols_He_convinced_our_Ernest_Bell_to_give_up_flesh_eating_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\"  >We have special affection for Thomas Low Nichols. He convinced our Ernest Bell to give up flesh eating &#8211;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Ernest_Bells_%E2%80%93_%E2%80%A6work_for_animals_began_in_1873_when_he_joined_the_RSPCA_About_the_same_time_he_read_a_review_in_the_Spectator_of_a_pamphlet_by_Dr_T_L_Nichols_one_of_our_Vice-Presidents_on_%E2%80%9CHow_to_live_on_Sixpence_a_Day%E2%80%9D_and_this_was_his_first_introduction_to_vegetarianism_Following_this_up_he_came_to_realize_what_many_lovers_of_animals_do_not_that_flesh-eating_is_at_once_unnecessary_and_cruel_and_that_the_believer_in_humanity_to_animals_should_be_a_vegetarian_Therefore_in_1874_he_became_a_vegetarian_Not_content_with_having_found_the_truth_he_wished_to_help_others_to_find_it_and_so_he_joined_The_Vegetarian_Society_%E2%80%93_transcribed_in_full_%E2%80%93_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\"  >Ernest Bell&#8217;s &#8211; ~ &#8230;.work for animals began in 1873, when he joined the R.S.P.C.A. About the same time he read a review in the Spectator of a pamphlet by Dr. T. L. Nichols, one of our Vice-Presidents, on \u201cHow to live on Sixpence a Day,\u201d and this was his first introduction to vegetarianism. Following this up he came to realize, what many lovers of animals do not, that flesh-eating is at once unnecessary and cruel, and that the believer in humanity to animals should be a vegetarian. Therefore, in 1874, he became a vegetarian. Not content with having found the truth he wished to help others to find it, and so he joined The Vegetarian Society. ~ &#8211; transcribed in full &#8211; here.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#_It_is_interesting_to_note_too_that_it_was_through_food-reform_that_he_was_led_into_animal-reform_The_introduction_took_place_in_1874_whilst_he_was_a_student_at_Cambridge_through_reading_a_pamphlet_by_Dr_T_L_Nichols_entitled_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence_a-Day%E2%80%9D_He_was_much_benefited_by_the_humane_diet_and_his_growth_to_a_fuller_recognition_of_the_kinship_of_all_life_was_swift_and_basic_%E2%80%93_transcribed_in_full_%E2%80%93_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\"  >~ It is interesting to note too, that it was through food-reform that he was led into animal-reform. The introduction took place in 1874, whilst he was a student at Cambridge, through reading a pamphlet by Dr. T. L.\u00a0Nichols, entitled \u201cHow to Live on Sixpence a-Day.\u201d He was much benefited by the humane diet, and his growth to a fuller recognition of the kinship of all life was swift and basic. ~ &#8211; transcribed in full &#8211; here.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-4\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#We_have_both_the_original_Spectator_article_but_it_is_dated_1876_%E2%80%93_so_perhaps_Ernest_Bell_had_got_the_sequence_of_events_slightly_wrong_after_50_years_the_booklet_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence-a-Day%E2%80%9D\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\"  >We have both\u00a0the original Spectator article (but it is dated 1876 &#8211; so perhaps Ernest Bell had got the sequence of events slightly wrong after 50 years) &amp; the booklet &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence-a-Day&#8221;.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Favorite_lines_from_%E2%80%93_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence-a-Day%E2%80%9D_by_Dr_Thomas_Low_Nichols_%E2%80%93_first_written_in_London_in_1871\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\"  >Favorite lines from &#8211; &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence-a-Day&#8221;. by\u00a0Dr. Thomas Low Nichols &#8211; first written in London in 1871.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#_Fruit_is_the_most_natural_healthful_and_delicious_part_of_our_diet_Mans_true_place_and_proper_food_is_in_a_garden_No_food_is_so_cheap_if_our_soil_were_but_given_to_it_in_no_way_would_an_acre_of_ground_give_us_so_much_or_cost_us_so_little_In_the_tropics_such_trees_as_the_date_and_banana_furnish_great_quantities_of_food_on_a_moderate_surface_One_thousand_square_feet_of_land_50_feet_by_20_feet_or_the_size_of_a_small_back_yard_to_a_London_house_will_produce_38_lbs_of_wheat_462_lbs_of_potatoes_or_4000_lbs_of_bananas_a-year_It_would_therefore_feed_a_man_with_wheat_say_38_days_with_potatoes_30_days_with_bananas_four_or_five_years_A_little_garden_in_the_tropics_will_keep_a_large_family_Even_a_single_date_tree_is_quite_sufficient_and_millions_of_people_live_on_dates_the_bread_of_the_desert_nine_months_in_the_year_%E2%80%93_more\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\"  >~ Fruit is the most natural, healthful, and delicious part of our diet. Man&#8217;s true place and proper food is in a garden. No food is so cheap if our soil were but given to it; in no way would an acre of ground give us so much or cost us so little. In the tropics such trees as the date and banana furnish great quantities of food on a moderate surface. One thousand square feet of land, 50 feet by 20 feet, or the size of a small back yard to a London house, will produce 38 lbs. of wheat, 462 lbs. of potatoes, or 4000 lbs. of bananas a-year. It would therefore feed a man with wheat, say 38 days, with potatoes, 30 days, with bananas four or five years. A little garden in the tropics will keep a large family. Even a single date tree is quite, sufficient, and millions of people live on dates, the bread of the desert, nine months in the year. ~ &#8211; more.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Dr_Nichols_writing_in_1885_%E2%80%93_he_regularly_proposed_eating_only_fruits_vegetables_bread_%E2%80%93_%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6but_he_included_eggs_milk_products_in_his_restaurants_menu_%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6_he_consumed_%E2%80%98a_little_milk_himself\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\"  >Dr. Nichols writing in 1885 &#8211; he regularly proposed eating only fruits \/ vegetables &amp; bread &#8211; &#8230;&#8230;but he included eggs &amp; milk products in his restaurant&#8217;s menu &amp; &#8230;&#8230; he consumed &#8216;a little milk&#8217; himself.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#_I_have_abundantly_shown_in_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence_a-Day%E2%80%9D_in_%E2%80%9CThe_Diet_Cure%E2%80%9D_in_%E2%80%9D_Esoteric_Anthropology%E2%80%9D_in_%E2%80%9CHuman_Physiology%E2%80%9D_in_numberless_articles_in_the_Herald_of_Health_that_man_was_originally_and_is_naturally_a_fruit-eating_animal_like_the_animals_which_in_his_anatomy_and_physiology_he_most_nearly_resembles_and_from_which_some_naturalists_believe_he_has_descended_or_ascended_%E2%80%9COur_nearest_relations%E2%80%9D_are_arborial_and_frugivorous_They_live_in_trees_and_feed_on_fruits_Fruits_plants_and_seeds_were_the_food_of_Eden_and_the_%E2%80%9CGolden_Age%E2%80%9D_Bread_is_the_staff_of_life_and_four-fifths_of_the_human_race_have_ever_lived_and_still_live_upon_fruits_seeds_and_vegetable_substances_%E2%80%94_upon_bananas_dates_figs_grapes_oranges_apples_melons_rice_maize_wheat_barley_oats_yams_potatoes_beets_turnips_onions_cabbages_etc_etc_%E2%80%94_the_wondrously_varied_delicious_sufficient_and_most_pure_and_healthful_products_of_the_vegetable_kingdom_%E2%80%94_%E2%80%9CHealth%E2%80%9D_a_Lecture_by_Dr_Nichols_%E2%80%93_more_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\"  >~ I have abundantly shown in &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence a-Day,&#8221; in &#8220;The Diet Cure,&#8221; in &#8221; Esoteric Anthropology,&#8221; in &#8220;Human Physiology,&#8221; in numberless articles in the Herald of Health, that man was originally, and is naturally, a fruit-eating animal, like the animals which, in his anatomy and physiology, he most nearly resembles, and from which some naturalists believe he has descended or ascended. &#8220;Our nearest relations&#8221; are arborial and frugivorous. They live in trees, and feed on fruits. Fruits, plants, and seeds were the food of Eden and the &#8220;Golden Age.&#8221; Bread is the staff of life, and four-fifths of the human race have ever lived, and still live upon fruits, seeds, and vegetable substances \u2014 upon bananas, dates, figs, grapes, oranges, apples, melons, rice, maize, wheat, barley, oats, yams, potatoes, beets, turnips, onions, cabbages, etc., etc. \u2014 the wondrously varied, delicious, sufficient, and most pure and healthful products of the vegetable kingdom. ~ \u2014 &#8220;Health&#8221; a Lecture by Dr. Nichols &#8211;\u00a0more here.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-5\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_1870s_1880s_in_the_UK\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\"  >The 1870s &amp; 1880s in the UK<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#We_are_looking_after_a_long_run_of_vegetarian_magazines_from_this_period_They_discuss_the_formation_opening_The_%E2%80%98Alpha_of_several_other_restaurants_around_the_UK_Some_restaurants_were_started_by_%E2%80%98Subscription_%E2%80%93_an_early_version_of_crowd-funding_They_also_contain_details_of_Francis_W_Newmans_work_efforts_They_detail_Newmans_attempt_to_introduce_veganism_in_the_UK_in_late_1871_%E2%80%93_detailed_here\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\"  >We are looking after a long run of vegetarian magazines from this period.\u00a0They discuss the formation &amp; opening The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; &amp; of several other restaurants around the UK . Some restaurants were\u00a0started by &#8216;Subscription&#8217; &#8211; an early version of crowd-funding.\u00a0They also contain details of Francis W. Newman&#8217;s work \/ efforts. They detail Newman&#8217;s attempt to introduce veganism in the UK in late 1871 &#8211; detailed here.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#%E2%80%98The_Dietetic_Reformer_Vegetarian_Messenger_%E2%80%93_January_1872_to_December_1885_%E2%80%93_168_monthly_issues_%E2%80%93_14_complete_years\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\"  >&#8216;The Dietetic Reformer &amp; Vegetarian Messenger&#8217; &#8211; January 1872 to December 1885 &#8211; 168 monthly issues &#8211; 14 complete years<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-6\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Our_Projects\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\"  >Our Projects<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_Henry_Salt_Archive_is_one_of_our_almost_completed_projects\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\"  >The Henry Salt Archive is one of our, almost completed, projects.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_Humanitarian_League_is_our_Hong_Kong_registered_charity\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\"  >The Humanitarian League is our Hong Kong registered charity.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#The_Ernest_Bell_Library_was_conceived_in_1934\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\"  >The Ernest Bell Library\u00a0was conceived in 1934.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#There_are_currently_more_than_3000_items_in_the_Ernest_Bell_Library\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\"  >There are currently more than 3,000 items in the Ernest Bell Library.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#We_will_complete_the_cataloging_of_the_collection_as_when_adequate_funds_are_available\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\"  >We will complete the\u00a0cataloging of the collection as &amp; when adequate funds are available.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#It_is_long_past_time_for_the_library_to_go_online\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\"  >It is long past time for the library to go online!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#_%E2%80%9CI_have_little_doubt_that_the_proposal_for_the_establishment_of_an_Ernest_Bell_Library_which_would_specialize_in_humanitarian_and_progressive_literature_and_so_form_a_sort_of_centre_for_students_will_meet_with_a_wide_response%E2%80%9D\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\"  >\u00a0\u201cI have little doubt that the proposal for the establishment of an Ernest Bell Library,\u00a0which would specialize in humanitarian and progressive literature,\u00a0and so form a sort of centre for students, will meet with a wide response.\u201d\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#Henry_S_Salt_%E2%80%93_writing_in_September_1934\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\"  >Henry S. Salt \u2013 writing in September 1934<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#i-7\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\"  >. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#If_anyone_would_like_more_information_please_send_an_email_to_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\"  >If anyone would like more information, please send an email to:\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#humanitarianleague_at_outlook_dot_com\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\"  >humanitarianleague (at) outlook (dot) com\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#%E2%80%93_or_message_me_through_HappyCow_%E2%80%93\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\"  >\u2013 or message me \u00a0through\u00a0HappyCow\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#https_wwwhappycownetblogauthorJohnnySensible\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\"  >https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#https_wwwhappycownetmembersprofileJohnnySensible\" class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\"  >https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/members\/profile\/JohnnySensible<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_HappyCow_Directory_UK_%E2%80%93_1881\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 1881<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/HC1881.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-13635 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/HC1881.jpg\" alt=\"HC1881\" width=\"580\" height=\"417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/HC1881.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/HC1881-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/h4>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_1881_the_entire_UK_had_just_20_lacto-ovo_vegetarian_eating_places_22_food_stores\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 1881 the entire UK had just 20 lacto-ovo vegetarian eating places &amp; 22 food stores.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The first title is &#8216;tongue in cheek&#8217;,<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/about_us\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HappyCow started in 1999<\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">,<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0this &#8216;Directory&#8217; is 118 years older, it is from the December 1881 issue of\u00a0<em>The Dietetic Reformer &amp; Vegetarian Messenger<\/em> &#8211; more discussion below.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong style=\"color: #993300;\">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HappyCow_Directory_UK_%E2%80%93_2015\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 2015<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_UK_is_fast_approaching_2000_vegan_vegan-friendly_business_listings_in_2015\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The UK is fast approaching 2,000 vegan &amp; vegan-friendly business listings in 2015.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">England<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/scotland\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scotland<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/wales\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wales<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/northern_ireland\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Northern Ireland<\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0The Isle of Man &amp; The Channel Islands are not \u00a0legally\u00a0part of the UK.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-2\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong style=\"color: #993300;\">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Veganisms_Exponential_Growth_in_London_UK\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Veganism&#8217;s Exponential Growth in London UK<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"London_UK_had_just_8_lacto-ovo-vegetarian_restaurants_in_1881\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">London, UK had just 8 lacto-ovo-vegetarian restaurants in 1881.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/HC1881London.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-13997 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/HC1881London.jpg\" alt=\"HC1881London\" width=\"580\" height=\"317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/HC1881London.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/HC1881London-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"By_2008_London_so_many_vegan_vegan_friendly_businesses_that_HappyCow_had_to_%E2%80%98rework_the_city_into_7_sections\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By 2008, London so many vegan &amp; vegan friendly businesses that HappyCow had to &#8216;rework&#8217; the city into 7 sections.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/de2p6bf9wvuml.cloudfront.net\/images\/london-map.gif\" alt=\"London\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >Central London<\/a>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/east_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >East London<\/a>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/north_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >North London<\/a>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/north_west_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >North West London<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/south_east_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >South East London<\/a>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"norm14\"><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/south_west_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >South West London<\/a>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"norm14\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/europe\/england\/west_london\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" >West London<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"London_is_now_fast_approaching_400_vegan_vegan-friendly_business_listings_on_HappyCow\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">London is now fast approaching 400 vegan &amp; vegan-friendly business listings on HappyCow.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-3\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong style=\"color: #993300;\">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Alpha_Restaurant\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; Restaurant\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alpha_Greek_%CE%86%CE%BB%CF%86%CE%B1_is_the_first_letter_of_the_Greek_alphabet_The_%E2%80%98Alpha_Restaurant_is_usually_regarded_as_being_the_first_vegetarian_restaurant_in_London_It_was_opened_in_1879_by_a_highly_%E2%80%98controversial_couple_%E2%80%93\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Alpha (Greek: \u0386\u03bb\u03c6\u03b1) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; Restaurant\u00a0is usually regarded as being the first vegetarian restaurant in London.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\u00a0was opened in 1879 by a highly &#8216;controversial&#8217; couple &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theparisreview.org\/blog\/2014\/07\/02\/passional-affinities\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">Thomas Low Nichols<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(1815\u20131901) &#8211; dietitian, author, reformer; born in Orford, N.H. As a journalist and prolific author he promoted health foods, free love, and spiritualism, among other reforms. After earning a medical qualification (1850) he joined his wife, physician Mary Grove Nichols, in training hydropathic physicians. They lived in England and Europe after 1861.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.womenhistoryblog.com\/2013\/07\/mary-gove-nichols.html\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">Mary Gove Nichols<\/a><\/span> (1810 \u2013 1884) &#8211; became an early advocate of women&#8217;s healthcare, spreading her message through her writings, lectures, and clinics. She was influenced by Sylvester Graham, hydrotherapy and vegetarianism. She was also part of the Free Love movement.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4>Our <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/remembering-vegetarian-pioneers-henry-s-salt-ernest-bell\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ernest Bell<\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\">, vegetarian from ~ 1874,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>talking with\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/art-for-the-benefit-of-animals\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Henry B. Amos<\/a><\/span> in 1924 \u2013<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">\u201cIn my early days a vegetarian was looked upon as a poor misguided crank who was expected to apologise for his \u2018queer\u2019 ways. Now, it is the meat-eater who apologises for his ways. In London there were no vegetarian dining places until Dr. Nichols, in 1879, opened the \u2018Alpha\u2019 Restaurant, in Oxford Street. Now, there are many, and most of the others have a vegetarian section.\u201d &#8211; <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>the interview <\/strong>in full \u2013 <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.henrysalt.co.uk\/friends\/ernest-bell\/after-fifty-years\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Asked for a New Year's message to his friends everywhere, our President replied, \u201cTell them to work on, strong in the assurance that we are on the winning side. Let each one set his own house in order, and bear in mind that they are at all times exercising an influence on the world, for good or ill, consciously or unconsciously.\u201d\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMenu1889.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-13994 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMenu1889.jpg\" alt=\"AlphaMenu1889\" width=\"580\" height=\"889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMenu1889.jpg 580w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMenu1889-196x300.jpg 196w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An 1889 &#8216;Alpha&#8217; menu in the British Library &#8211; reproduced with permision &#8211;\u00a0<\/span><b id=\"yui_3_16_0_1_1441158026636_24045\"><i id=\"yui_3_16_0_1_1441158026636_24044\"><span id=\"yui_3_16_0_1_1441158026636_24043\" style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: small;\"><span id=\"yui_3_16_0_1_1441158026636_24042\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(C) British Library Board<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bl.uk\/onlinegallery\/onlineex\/evancoll\/a\/014eva000000000u06835000.html\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">Evan.6835<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/h5>\n<h4>In our <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/our-etymological-past\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ernest Bell Library<\/a>,<\/span> we have an original magazine &#8216;review&#8217; of a dinner enjoyed at the &#8216;Alpha&#8217; in 1880. It was written by a scholar. Transcribed, after decoding the Latin references, &#8211; <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-review-london-feb-7-1880\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/span>.<\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_have_special_affection_for_Thomas_Low_Nichols_He_convinced_our_Ernest_Bell_to_give_up_flesh_eating_%E2%80%93\"><\/span>We have special affection for Thomas Low Nichols. He convinced our Ernest Bell to give up flesh eating &#8211;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ernest Bell&#8217;s &#8211;<\/span> ~ &#8230;.work for animals began in 1873, when he joined the R.S.P.C.A. About the same time he read a review in the Spectator of a pamphlet by Dr. T. L. Nichols, one of our Vice-Presidents, on \u201cHow to live on Sixpence a Day,\u201d and this was his first introduction to vegetarianism. Following this up he came to realize, what many lovers of animals do not, that flesh-eating is at once unnecessary and cruel, and that the believer in humanity to animals should be a vegetarian. Therefore, in 1874, he became a vegetarian. Not content with having found the truth he wished to help others to find it, and so he joined The Vegetarian Society. ~<\/span> &#8211; transcribed in full &#8211; <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.henrysalt.co.uk\/friends\/ernest-bell\/ernest-bell-vegetarian-society-president\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">here<\/a><\/span>.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">~ It is interesting to note too, that it was through food-reform that he was led into animal-reform. The introduction took place in 1874, whilst he was a student at Cambridge, through reading a pamphlet by Dr. T. L.\u00a0<span class=\"ajaxSearch_highlight ajaxSearch_highlight1\">Nichols<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">, entitled \u201cHow to Live on Sixpence a-Day.\u201d He was much benefited by the humane diet, and his growth to a fuller recognition of the kinship of all life was swift and basic. ~<\/span> &#8211; transcribed in full &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.henrysalt.co.uk\/friends\/ernest-bell\/ernest-bell-an-appreciation\" title=\"Ernest Bell: An Appreciation Cruel Sports, 1933\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-4\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_have_both_the_original_Spectator_article_but_it_is_dated_1876_%E2%80%93_so_perhaps_Ernest_Bell_had_got_the_sequence_of_events_slightly_wrong_after_50_years_the_booklet_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence-a-Day%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We have both\u00a0the original Spectator article<\/span> (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">but it is dated 1876 &#8211; so perhaps Ernest Bell had got the sequence of events slightly wrong after 50 years<\/span>)<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> &amp; the booklet &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence-a-Day&#8221;.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Favorite_lines_from_%E2%80%93_%E2%80%9CHow_to_Live_on_Sixpence-a-Day%E2%80%9D_by_Dr_Thomas_Low_Nichols_%E2%80%93_first_written_in_London_in_1871\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Favorite lines from &#8211; &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence-a-Day&#8221;<em>. <\/em>by\u00a0Dr. Thomas Low Nichols &#8211; first written in London in 1871.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 60px; text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">~ Fruit is the most natural, healthful, and delicious part of our diet. Man&#8217;s true place and proper food is in a garden. No food is so cheap if our soil were but given to it; in no way would an acre of ground give us so much or cost us so little. In the tropics such trees as the date and banana furnish great quantities of food on a moderate surface. One thousand square feet of land, 50 feet by 20 feet, or the size of a small back yard to a London house, will produce 38 lbs. of wheat, 462 lbs. of potatoes, or 4000 lbs. of bananas a-year. It would therefore feed a man with wheat, say 38 days, with potatoes, 30 days, with bananas four or five years. A little garden in the tropics will keep a large family. Even a single date tree is quite, sufficient, and millions of people live on dates, the bread of the desert, nine months in the year. ~<\/span> &#8211; <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/our-etymological-past\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">more<\/a><\/span>.<\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dr_Nichols_writing_in_1885_%E2%80%93_he_regularly_proposed_eating_only_fruits_vegetables_bread_%E2%80%93_%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6but_he_included_eggs_milk_products_in_his_restaurants_menu_%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6_he_consumed_%E2%80%98a_little_milk_himself\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dr. Nichols writing in 1885 &#8211; he regularly proposed eating only fruits \/ vegetables &amp; bread &#8211; &#8230;&#8230;but he included eggs &amp; milk products in his restaurant&#8217;s menu &amp; &#8230;&#8230; he consumed &#8216;a little milk&#8217; himself.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify; padding-left: 60px;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">~ I have abundantly shown in &#8220;How to Live on Sixpence a-Day,&#8221; in &#8220;The Diet Cure,&#8221; in &#8221; Esoteric Anthropology,&#8221; in &#8220;Human Physiology,&#8221; in numberless articles in the Herald of Health, that man was originally, and is naturally, a fruit-eating animal, like the animals which, in his anatomy and physiology, he most nearly resembles, and from which some naturalists believe he has descended or ascended. &#8220;Our nearest relations&#8221; are arborial and frugivorous. They live in trees, and feed on fruits. Fruits, plants, and seeds were the food of Eden and the &#8220;Golden Age.&#8221; Bread is the staff of life, and four-fifths of the human race have ever lived, and still live upon fruits, seeds, and vegetable substances \u2014 upon bananas, dates, figs, grapes, oranges, apples, melons, rice, maize, wheat, barley, oats, yams, potatoes, beets, turnips, onions, cabbages, etc., etc. \u2014 the wondrously varied, delicious, sufficient, and most pure and healthful products of the vegetable kingdom. ~<\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u2014 &#8220;Health&#8221; a Lecture by Dr. Nichols &#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/stream\/healthalmanack00nich#page\/n1\/mode\/1up\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">more here<\/a><\/span>.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-5\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_1870s_1880s_in_the_UK\"><\/span>The 1870s &amp; 1880s in the UK<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We are looking after a long run of vegetarian magazines from this period.\u00a0They discuss the formation &amp; opening The &#8216;Alpha&#8217; &amp; of several other restaurants around the UK . Some restaurants were\u00a0started by &#8216;Subscription&#8217; &#8211; an early version of crowd-funding.\u00a0They also contain details of<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ivu.org\/history\/europe19b\/newman.html\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external nofollow\">Francis W. Newman&#8217;s<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">work \/ efforts. They detail Newman&#8217;s attempt to introduce veganism in the UK in late 1871 &#8211; detailed<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/veganism-a-life-containing-no-logical-contradictions\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/span>.<\/h4>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1872.jpg\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-12354 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1872.jpg\" alt=\"1872\" width=\"581\" height=\"547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1872.jpg 581w, https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/1872-300x282.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/a><\/h4>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%98The_Dietetic_Reformer_Vegetarian_Messenger_%E2%80%93_January_1872_to_December_1885_%E2%80%93_168_monthly_issues_%E2%80%93_14_complete_years\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">&#8216;The Dietetic Reformer &amp; Vegetarian Messenger&#8217; &#8211; January 1872 to December 1885 &#8211; 168 monthly issues &#8211; 14 complete years<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-6\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong style=\"color: #993300;\">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Projects\"><\/span>Our Projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.henrysalt.co.uk\/info\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"The Henry S. Salt Archive is run and maintained by the site editors on the behalf of its patrons. However, we welcome and encourage anyone interested in the project to contribute.\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external nofollow noopener noreferrer\">The Henry Salt Archive<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">is one of our, almost completed, projects.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/reviews\/the-humanitarian-league-kowloon-39395\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Operating in Hong Kong alongside 'The Ernest Bell Memorial Library.' Republishing classic humanitarian books &amp; pamphlets. The Humanitarian League has been established to enforce the principle that it is iniquitous to inflict avoidable suffering on any sentient being. \"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Humanitarian League<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">is our Hong Kong registered charity.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/remembering-vegetarian-pioneers-henry-s-salt-ernest-bell\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"&quot;I have little doubt that the proposal for the establishment of an Ernest Bell Library, which would specialize in humanitarian and progressive literature, and so form a sort of centre for students, will meet with a wide response.&quot; - Henry S. Salt\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Ernest Bell Library<\/a><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">was conceived in 1934.<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There_are_currently_more_than_3000_items_in_the_Ernest_Bell_Library\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are currently more than 3,000 items in the Ernest Bell Library.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"We_will_complete_the_cataloging_of_the_collection_as_when_adequate_funds_are_available\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We will complete the\u00a0cataloging of the collection as &amp; when adequate funds are available.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_is_long_past_time_for_the_library_to_go_online\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It is long past time for the library to go online!<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_%E2%80%9CI_have_little_doubt_that_the_proposal_for_the_establishment_of_an_Ernest_Bell_Library_which_would_specialize_in_humanitarian_and_progressive_literature_and_so_form_a_sort_of_centre_for_students_will_meet_with_a_wide_response%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #800080;\">\u201cI have little doubt that the proposal for the establishment of an Ernest Bell Library,\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>which would specialize in humanitarian and progressive literature,\u00a0<\/strong><strong>a<\/strong><strong>nd so form a sort of centre for students, will meet with a wide response.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Henry S. Salt \u2013<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/remembering-vegetarian-pioneers-henry-s-salt-ernest-bell\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Sir, From the letters that have reached us, I have little doubt that the proposal for the establishment of an Ernest Bell Library, which would specialize in humanitarian and progressive literature, and so form a sort of centre for students, will meet with a wide response. I would now suggest that it would be a most helpful step if individuals who favour this idea would lend their names to strengthen the appeal that will have to be made to some Public Institution for the use of a room, and if Societies and Journals would also express their agreement. Such a Memorial would be so personally suitable, in view of Mr. Bell\u2019s many and long continued services, and so valuable to the cause of humane progress in general, that it is difficult to see how any objection could be made to it: the sole question is whether the initial difficulties can be overcome. I trust all friends of the humanitarian cause will lend their aid. HENRY S. SALT\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">writing<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">in September 1934<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i-7\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong style=\"color: #993300;\">. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_anyone_would_like_more_information_please_send_an_email_to_%E2%80%93\"><\/span><strong>If anyone would like more information, please send an email to:\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"humanitarianleague_at_outlook_dot_com\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">humanitarianleague<\/span> (at) <span style=\"color: #008000;\">outlook<\/span> (dot) <span style=\"color: #008000;\">com\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%93_or_message_me_through_HappyCow_%E2%80%93\"><\/span><strong>\u2013 or message me \u00a0through\u00a0HappyCow\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/author\/JohnnySensible\/<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/members\/profile\/JohnnySensible\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/members\/profile\/JohnnySensible<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 1881 In 1881 the entire UK had just 20 lacto-ovo vegetarian eating places &amp; 22 food stores.\u00a0 The first title is &#8216;tongue in cheek&#8217;,\u00a0HappyCow started in 1999,\u00a0this &#8216;Directory&#8217; is 118 years older, it is from the December 1881 issue of\u00a0The Dietetic Reformer &amp; Vegetarian Messenger &#8211; more discussion below. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HappyCow Directory UK &#8211; 2015 The UK is fast approaching 2,000 vegan &amp; vegan-friendly business listings in 2015. England\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Scotland\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Wales\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Northern Ireland\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0The Isle of Man &amp; The Channel Islands are not \u00a0legally\u00a0part of the UK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veganism&#8217;s Exponential Growth in London UK London, UK had just 8 lacto-ovo-vegetarian restaurants in 1881. By 2008, London so many [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9728,"featured_media":14000,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2274,2275],"tags":[1092,1152,2082,1270,2309,2307,2314,2306,2305,2308],"class_list":["post-13634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-vegan-history","category-vegetarian-history","tag-ernest-bell","tag-ernest-bell-library","tag-francis-w-newman","tag-henry-b-amos","tag-how-to-live-on-sixpence-a-day","tag-mary-gove-nichols","tag-the-alpha","tag-thomas-l-nichols","tag-thomas-low-nichols","tag-vegan-outreach"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Alpha Restaurant 1879 - HappyCow<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The &#039;Alpha&#039; Restaurant is usually regarded as being the first vegetarian restaurant in London.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Alpha Restaurant 1879 - HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The &#039;Alpha&#039; Restaurant is usually regarded as being the first vegetarian restaurant in London.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"http:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HappyCow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-09-05T00:35:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-05-20T21:25:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMini.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"578\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"217\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"John Edmundson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@happycow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@happycow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"John Edmundson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"John Edmundson\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/82520fa57a466fbf415c30cbffffec7a\"},\"headline\":\"The Alpha Restaurant 1879\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-09-05T00:35:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-05-20T21:25:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/\"},\"wordCount\":1279,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/the-alpha-restaurant-1879\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.happycow.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/AlphaMini.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Ernest Bell\",\"Ernest Bell Library\",\"Francis W. 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