Vegan-friendly
Organic
Raw
Western
Juice bar
Beer/Wine
Take-out
British

Vegan except for dairy milk for drinks; has soymilk. Food is vegan and includes various hot food, salads, sandwiches, raw food plus smoothies, cake, and raw truffle. Sells large selection of soya-free sugar-free vegan ice cream. Organic licensed bar. DJs, film nights, talks in the evenings. Casual atmosphere with Wi-Fi. SHUT DOWN JAN 2016 PER COW AMBASSADOR.


Venue map for InSpiral Lounge
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86 Reviews

First Review by Jemima

apriltui

Points +53

Vegetarian
15 Sep 2012

Good food, bit disorganised

This small cafe has an interesting selection, and what we had was pretty good. The desserts were raw, lovely, very filling and there is a lot of these to choose from. The mains were tasty , although my lasagne was cold, but salads were average, nothing special and they should have more selection. Lots of thought has gone into the food but it was all a bit disorganised. The display was not very ordered and it was a bit annoying to try and figure out what was where. The seating is very uncomfortable. It probably suits Camden but because of the kind of food, a lot of raw and vegan, it is on the pricey side due to cost of ingredients, so its fair enough. However you don't expect a pricey meal and well, grubby surroundings. The windows need a clean and the seating needs sorting. With a bit more thought, planning and cleaning, it would be amazing.

Pros: desserts, raw food

Cons: seating uncomfortable, disorganised , bit unclean

DomSpiral

22 Feb 2013

It seems you came to us just when we changed over our entire system. Only last week we got in a whole new counter display and with that we changed the way we serve our food. Rather than forcing our customers to have our main courses with sides they are now all available at £5.45 only and we have had some great responses so far. Sorry you experienced us a bit disorganised - it is probably true as at the time we had so much to change over - but things should have settled down now and we are back to our shiny self - if not better! So do come again and let us know how we are doing (-;

RafaelCardoso

Points +38

Vegan
12 Sep 2012

Perfect!

This is the perfect place for vegans in London. It has many options in the menu to choose, so many that I felt lost for some time. heheh
I got a delicious lasagna with currie, potatos, rice and salad for lunch. Then, an açai juice to drink and a magnificent chocolate and mint ice cream. The service was very good and kind. And the place.. the place was so cosy, beautiful and comfortable that was hard to leave.
It was the the best place I ever ate in my life, I can say this.

Pros: excellent food, healthy cuisine, friendly staff

Cons: nothing, really

Amy1274

Points +4979

Vegan
22 Aug 2012

Great food, great atmosphere - not-so-great prices

This is a gorgeous little cafe/bar with live music in the evenings (I can recommend the open-mike night that takes place every Sunday). Vegans are spoiled for choice with main meals, soups, wraps, cakes and as many have mentioned, raw truffles, and I have always found the food to be of a high quality. The only problem is the prices are quite high (nearly £4 for a cake, for example) but reduced items can be found in the evening.

Pros: choice, qualitiy, atmosphere

Cons: price

physte3

Points +20

Vegan
14 Aug 2012

Great food and atmosphere

I really like go to InSpiral in Camden Town because the food is fresh and tasty and the people is nice. I like the position close to the channel.

Pros: Vegan and raw food, Good vibes, Nice enviroment

Cons: Sometimes the music is too loud

lh1986

Points +46

Non Veg
03 Jul 2012

Best ice cream!

Whenever I am in London I try and go to InSpiral, their ice cream is the nicest (and healthiest) vegan one I have ever had. Great mix of flavours, my favourite is the mint one which is rare to find dairy free. The ice cream is made primarily from cashew nuts which gives it a very rich flavour.

There are plenty of vegan/wheat free/raw options so basically something for all diets. I tend to have something different everytime I go in and have never found any of my meals to be anything but delicious. The puddings are always made from the best ingredients and therefore a little pricey but they are very filling; I often share one with my partner.

Staff have always been friendly and happy to answer any questions, even when its been very busy I have never felt rushed.

The downsides would be that the seating is a little uncomfortable but this is probably so people do not linger - they can get very busy, especially in summer.

It is probably best I do not live in London as I would probably be bankrupted from going there all the time.

Pros: Healthy food, vegan options, vegan ice cream

Cons: uncomfortable chairs, busy

Sammo84

Points +48

Vegan
01 May 2012

Good breakfast

Had the vegan all day breakfast. The sausage was absolutely amazing but the tofu scramble was pretty bland. (However, I appreciate that I'm a curry powder machine when it comes to my tofu scramble)

Really friendly, helpful staff and a really nice atmosphere.

Pros: Vegan sausage, Friendly staff, Good vibes

Cons: Tofu scramble

necropalice

Points +131

Vegan
25 Apr 2012

Bad reviews? Which Inspiral Lounge were YOU at?

I felt a bit unsure about InSpiral Lounge due to the negative reviews on here, but I'm newly vegan, curious about raw food and a Camden addict, so I had to check it out. I've now been four times in the last two months.

Firstly, the menu is awesome. I've tried the raw cheese tart, the aubergine parcel and the raw cheese ravioli (which blew my knickers off) along with a wide selection of their salads. My friends have rolled with less adventurous options like the soup and bagels, both of which were delicious (and good value). The raw vegan Caesar salad is fantastic and I'll be honest: I crave it constantly.

The staff have been nothing but lovely to me - they explain how their menu works, recommend dishes, are polite and patient with lots of uhmming and ahhing over the menu. The atmosphere is what I would expect from a busy lockside cafe - the chairs could be more comfortable, for example, but I've never struggled to find a seat at lunch time.

The toilets were fine - I honestly don't know what the problem could have been with the previous reviewers, but I'm guessing either a) they don't go to places anywhere near as skuzzy as the places I'm used to, or b) whatever it was has been fixed.

The best bit? I passed by late one night with a friend, and it was still open. When the sun sets, the tables are cleared to form a dance floor. Organic beer at a reasonable price, a different vibe every night... honestly? What's not to like?

Pros: amazing food, evening atmosphere rocks, big portions

Cons: expensive mains, uncomfy chairs

rjmehra

Points +323

Vegan
02 Mar 2012

Vegan heaven in Camden

The real pulling power of this place for me is the range and the location. It's always slightly different and never ceases to surprise. The staff are lovely, despite it always being quite busy the times I've been.
The drink and dessert options are good, and there are some interesting vegan trinkets such as boutique chocolates.

Pros: Location, Range, Atmosphere

Cons: Busy at times

bencamps

Points +580

Vegan
15 Jan 2012

Rudest Staff in London

I've been to the Inspiral Lounge many times, usually before a gig or after work (I work in Camden). Whilst the food here is usually pretty good (hence return visits) the staff have to be the most up-their-own-[censored] people you are likely to meet. The service is rude, sloppy and extremely disorganised. The toilets are a disgrace and the [edit by staff] music far too loud. To top it off it is pricey for what it is. [edit by staff] I would give 1 cow but 2 is the lowest. I hope they can sort their act out as the location is good, despite all the tourists.

Pros: OK food

Cons: Rude staff, Filthy toilets, loud music

igreenery

Points +92

Vegan
08 Jan 2012

Overrated

Understaffed, no smoothies available, very poor selection of hot food (and cold!) and the food when I did get it was tasteless. Very poor.

Blueberries

Points +250

Vegan
04 Dec 2011

Great take-away bagel

Stopped in for some lunch to take away during a recent day-trip to Camden. Most of their menu seemed to be raw, and everything was vegan except for the option of cow's milk for drinks. Not really wanting something raw, I went for a vegan cream cheese bagel, which was pretty good but not amazing (I'm not complaining, I love being able to get vegan cheese in cafes/restaurants!). The service was slow but that was probably because it was a busy weekend afternoon.

Pros: Central in Camden town, All food was vegan

Cons: Slow service, Emphasis on raw food

Bow

Points +80

Vegan
11 Sep 2011

Over-rated

I went here for my birthday last year and have not been back. The food was quite tasty - not amazing, and expensive for what it was, but enjoyable enough. The view over the canal was agreeable. The music was too loud. The ice-cream was disappointing. The service wasn't great. The clincher was the toilets, which are absolutely disgusting. Shocking to see such poor hygiene in a place that sells food. Going to the toilet was the last thing I did before leaving - if it had been the first thing I did, I wouldn't have eaten there. If they can't maintain the most minimal standards of hygiene in the bits the public can see, I dread to think what their kitchen is like. Put me off completely. It was a bit of a trek from Camden station and frankly, it wasn't worth it. There are other, better places to eat in the area.

Pros: Vegan food, Quite tasty

Cons: Shocking toilets, Over-priced, Generally disappointing

pinkpineapples

Points +52

Vegan
07 Jul 2011

AMAZING

As a vegan who loves raw foods there were a million options, all with generous serves, clearly marked as vegetarian, vegan, raw, etc and all really healthy. I'm still in awe of the fact they use local small businesses for suppliers and everything there is environmentally friendly (recycled serviettes, etc.).

There were so many amazing options. Good value and great tasting! I love the fact there were so many desserts available too. The staff were cheerful and friendly too! Great atmosphere and a lovely view.

Pros: excellent food, healthy cuisine, range of choices

Miggi

Points +2647

Vegan
12 Jun 2011

amazing cake

We had chocolate mousse and berry vanilla chesecake, both vegan, gorgeous, creamy puddings. nice place overlooking canal near camden market.
Service a little slow but it was fairly busy.

Pros: vegan cake and pud, other vegan stuff on menu too

Cons: slow service

Kimbo

Points +181

Vegan
30 May 2011

Great Cakes

Brilliant choice of vegan cakes!!

Lucylu

Points +377

Vegan
23 May 2011

A mixed bag!

I visited InSpiral last Sat' night. It was very crowded and the system, well lack thereof, made it ridiculously arduous in getting a drink or ordering some food. It seemed to be a case of the louder you shouted the quicker you got served. They really need to sort out a system. Maybe one till for food and another if you just want a drink. The staff were really friendly, just useless at their jobs!

Good selection of vegan wine, although I really object to being served in a tacky old plastic wine "glass".

The loos are a disgrace and really need a bloody good clean!

The pud's are a delight, if you ever get served to have one.

Nice area outside on the canal.

Pros: Vegan wine, Vegan puddings, Friendly staff

Cons: Terrible service, Really dirty, BADLY organised

ecoman

Points +42

Vegetarian
16 May 2011

A nice surprise

I stumbled over this restaurant wisiting Camden markets, and I realised that I heard of it. The staff was helpful and the Raw nachos I had was i most parts a fine experience. Since Into rawfood, I tried only dishes that were completely Raw, and there were sometimes confusion on what was actually Raw (when asking questions it turned out that the main ingredient in a dish presented as raw was not raw at all). But I am not difficult, and the taste of what I got made up for it. The truffels after tha meal was also fine, but after tasting the works of Rawfoodhouse in Malmö I am very hard to convince here. This place is nice, and I understand that there are entertainment later wich I would love to experience.

Pros: Nice location, great view, well prepared meal, nice staff

Cons: not clrear what was raw and whats not

hippublican

Points +286

Vegan
24 Apr 2011

Fantastic.

This restaurant couldn't be any better unless it was in my backyard.
The location is perfect, right in Camden overlooking the lock.
The food is incredible. We visited a few times, first only getting the avocado (simple and wonderful) and a dessert (can't go wrong), then returning for the vegan breakfast. The vegan breakfast is great and a great value as well.
I can't recommend this restaurant enough!

AlexBrightside

Points +130

Vegan
06 Feb 2011

Lovely place

I discovered Inspiral last summer, then I went there every time I had been in London.
It's a very nice place, with a great view of the Canal and a tasty menu.
I love their cakes, ice cream and smoothies, and my non-veg friends love them too!

Pros: great food, nice canal view, friendly staff

Cons: little noisy

dkinjer

Points +309

Mostly Veg
06 Feb 2011

Good food, disgusting place

We enjoyed the food that we ate, though it was not amazing, but the place itself was disgusting. Aside from the neighborhood seeming quite seedy, walking from the tube station, the restaurant itself was gross. The ceiling was moldy and peeling, the noise level from loud music and talking abominable, and the bathroom - absolutely disgusting. Though the desserts looked good, we decided that it is impossible to enjoy tea and dessert in such an atmosphere and we left.

Pros: good food

Cons: disgusting interior

NickNack1989

Points +36

Vegan
15 Dec 2010

Inspiral

I have quite often dined here, either for a quick snack or a small meal. The service is good, the staff are quite often friendly and the food is decent. It might be more expensive than other food in Camden, but its more trustworthy.
The ice cream is great, the wedges and lasagne are also worth a try. Its often quite busy, but you won't really notice you'll be too busy enjoying yourself. If you're around the area, it is definitely worth a visit.

Pros: Quality Food, Decent Portions, Friendly Staff

Cons: A bit Pricey, Quite Noisy

margypargy

Points +100

Vegan
23 Nov 2010

Tiramisu I miss you!

Go here, eat Tiramisu!!! Honestly, it's the most amazing pudding and you must try it before you die. If you do nothing else. Why isn't the whole world vegan?

Pros: Tiramisu!, By the canal + Camden vibe, Mostly vegan (95%)

Cons: Staff can be 'off' - so what's new?

Jamie Roberts

Points +324

Vegan
27 Aug 2010

Utterly delicious, mostly vegan food

Had our hotel been closer to Camden Town, we would have eaten here daily. From the spanikopita to the kofti, this place is delicious, friendly, priced well for London and full of creative vegetarian (and mostly vegan) delights. It's first on our list for any return trips to London.

Pros: Healthy, creative, delicious

Courtnichka

Points +64

Vegan
30 May 2010

Wonderful Cafe

The first time I visited InSpiral Lounge I turned around and walked right out because the staff ignored me to help other customers who came in after me.
I'm glad I gave it a second chance because the next time I went in the service was great. The cashier was friendly and warm, she also helped me pick out the mushroom pastry. It was an excellent choice. I also tried the spinach salad and the edible flower side dishes. I didn't care for the edible flowers but both the spinach and the mushroom dishes were great. Next time I'm in London I will have to try out the ice cream and catch some of their events. Aside from being a little pricey (like everything in London) and the random bad service the day before, I love this little cafe. Hopefully I will be in town when they are having events next time.

Pros: great food, nice location, friendly service

Cons: can be pricey, random bad service

gemmer

Points +42

Vegan
19 Mar 2010

InSpiral Lounge- inspiring to say the least!

I love this place. So so much. I went last October (2009) and got as many scoops of their amazing raw ice creem as I could (mint chocolate chip was my fave, though one really could not go wrong with any of them!).
The second time I went back to London, I forgot where InSpiral was located and the name of the place itself! So I kind of had to make a trek through London to get there, but it was SO worth it. I took forever trying to figure out what I wanted to eat, because everything just looked so amazing and I knew it'd be a while again before I would get to go back. I ended up ordering the large plate of several different options- salad, potato wedges, yams, greens, dahl, quinoa... garlic cashew hummus (mmmmmmm!). It was all SO good! Now here is the truly special part...
While I was enjoying my delicious lunch, a very kind woman approached me saying, "This may be kind of a weird question but, do you like raw chocolate?" Thinking she just wanted my opinion on raw chocolate in general, I replied "Oh, yes, it is really, really good and flavourful." "Okay!" was her reply as she headed over toward the counter. She came back and asked me if I liked durian "Yes" I told her, but I wanted to add that not everyone does, so if it is her first time trying it, she may not like it too much. But she left too fast for me to say anything more. About 3 minutes later, she came back again- with a box of 12 raw chocolates. She placed them in front of me saying, "It's a present." and then left. I sat there for a good few minutes, completely stunned. How often does that happen in life?! What a wonderful, amazing experience! I am so grateful to this woman for her kind generosity. She completely made my day, if not entire experience in London (which... okay, was only a day this time).
Anyway, the rest of the story goes like this: I finished my delicious lunch, ordered a delicious bagel to go, had a very yummy vanilla cupcake... a couple of the chocolates, shared a couple of the chocolates with a couple sitting near me, had no choice but to go get a brownie for the road, and bid farewell to one of my favorite restaurants in the whole world. I am InSpiral-ed to do more random acts of kindness, too!
Until we meet again, InSpiral!

Pros: Amazing food., Beautiful setting., Kind staff.

Cons: Too far from my house., My stomach is too small., Dangrously addictive brownies...

kool_kitchen

Points +848

Vegetarian
09 Mar 2010

Good vegan cafe style food

It's got some great vegan/veg food, smoothies, vegan cocktails, salad bar and juices. The best thing is the deleicious desserts that are nutritional and in most cases vegan.

What is on the menu is always well made and tasty. I go there a lot so the menu can be a bit samey. It is very limited for a la carte so there is a set amount of dishes and they do repeat frequently. Also it is a bit cafeteria buffet style and it's rather pricey for the limited dishes on offer and not very large portions.

The seating is okay, much nicer in the summer when you can sit outside downstairs on a nice day and have camden canal as your back drop.

Pros: lots of great vegan desserts, tasty healthy cuisine, vegan cocktails

Cons: bit pricey, portions could be bigger, needs bigger more varied menu

Niels Van Och

Points +84

Vegetarian
19 Jul 2009

Lovely place, nice staff

My girlfriend and I had lunch here on a trip to London, and were delighted with this lovely little cafe.

The menu is limited, but the food is high quality. Vegetarian and vegan options, in a buffet with salads. The buffet comes in three sizes, and is available for take away as well.

Inspiral also has a juice bar. I tried a 'Ginger Ninja', which came with a nice chat and tasted quite nice. Furthermore, there is a vegan ice cream stand (ice cream made with cashews). We didn't order any, but got a free sample of some mocha and strawberry ice cream. It was different, but quite nice. Finally, there was dessert: my girlfriend had a slice of peanut butter pie, and she's still talking about it.

The price was quite reasonable: the menu was pretty cheap, the juice was the right price. Only the dessert was a bit expensive, but worth it.

A few notes: Inspiral has free Internet access (ask for a password at the counter), and features regular music performances, mostly electronic. The windows overlook the waterside, which is a nice view.

Pros: very friendly staff, great sweets, free Internet

Cons: little noisy




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