UK’s first fully-vegetarian, low-carbon restaurant chain to launch in London

The UK’s first fully vegetarian and low-carbon restaurant chain is set to launch in London’s West End this summer.

Otarian, which is opening two restaurants in New York City this month, will launch two sites in the capital on Shaftesbury Avenue and Wardour Street in June. A third location is set to open on Regent Street later this year ahead of the group’s planned expansion across the rest of the UK.

Otarian’s menu is designed around sustainability and highlights the carbon footprint of each dish alongside that of an equivalent meat dish. It claims diners would be able to save up to 3kg of carbon for every set ‘Carbon Saving Combo Meal’ the chain offers.

Australian environmentalist Radhika Oswal, the founder of Otarian, said vegetarianism was the most sustainable and environmentally conscious way of eating and being.

“Vegetarian foods have a lighter ecological footprint, reduced water impacts and lower carbon emissions than non-vegetarian equivalents,” she said.

“With Otarian I hope to show that food can be delicious and good for the planet; if each vegetarian meal saves even one kilogram of carbon emissions or grain, or one litre of water or oil - the cumulative benefits of Otarian eating can change the planet’s current trajectory.”

Otarian will apply environmentally-friendly practices throughout its operation including recycling or composting 98% of its waste, using recyclable or reusable packaging and abolishing the use of air freighted ingredients.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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