The UK vegan movement has long been criticized for its lack of diversity, often dominated by Eurocentric narratives and predominantly white faces. This underrepresentation has led to feelings of exclusion among many people of colour, who may not see their cultures, cuisines, or concerns reflected in mainstream veganism. As a result, a growing number of activists, chefs, and influencers are stepping forward to reshape the landscape, ensuring that veganism becomes a more inclusive and culturally resonant movement.
Here are 11 UK-based vegans of colour who are making significant strides in this direction:
A world-renowned Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton transitioned to a plant-based diet in 2017. He co-founded Neat Burger, a vegan restaurant chain, in 2019, aiming to offer sustainable, meat-free dining options. Hamilton’s advocacy extends beyond his dietary choices, using his platform to promote environmental sustainability and animal rights.
A London-based recording artist and spiritual revolutionary, NEO 10Y blends alternative pop with Vedic philosophies, aiming to manifest a protopian dimension of peace on Earth. His music, described as “consciousness-expanding,” seeks to amplify collective connection and oneness. NEO 10Y has been recognized by Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Evening Standard and featured in Channel 4’s Higher Ground, discussing a vegan future. He hosted National Animal Rights Day and has been involved with multiple projects for PETA, The Vegan Society, National Geographic, and more.
A General Practice Registrar and fitness advocate, Dr. Patel combines medical expertise with a passion for plant-based nutrition and fitness. He regularly speaks at events like VegfestUK, sharing insights on veganism and health. His work emphasizes the importance of plant-based diets in maintaining optimal health. He is heavily featured in the new vegan film, I Could Never Go Vegan.
An NHS GP trainee and emergency medic, Dr. Rao advocates for plant-based diets and sustainability in healthcare. She has delivered multiple NHS talks and spoken at festivals like Vegan Camp Out and Yogific. Additionally, Dr. Rao founded Buckets of Love, a charity focused on doing good deeds while having fun.
A Consultant Haematologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr. Kassam promotes plant-based nutrition for the prevention and reversal of chronic diseases. She founded Plant-Based Health Professionals UK in 2018 and developed the UK’s first university-based course on plant-based nutrition at the University of Winchester. Dr. Kassam has co-authored several publications, including Eating Plant-Based and Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice.
A German-born, London-based fashion designer with Iranian heritage, Sarah Regensburger creates vegan and sustainable fashion that challenges perceptions of beauty. Her diverse upbringing has provided a unique passage of creativity with no boundaries, allowing her to showcase her artistic freedom through her label. In 2022, she was awarded ‘Designer of the Year’ by PETA.
A vegan lawyer and blogger, Will bridges the gap between food, culture, and veganism. He shares insights on veganism within African and Caribbean communities, offering predominantly African, Caribbean, and South American recipes. His platform serves as a resource for those seeking to explore plant-based living through culturally resonant dishes.
Arvin Suntaramoorthy (Amrutha Lounge)
Chef and owner of Amrutha Lounge, Arvin offers innovative vegan dishes with a community-focused approach. His restaurant, located in South London, creates a wonderful community vibe, providing a space for individuals to enjoy plant-based cuisine in a welcoming environment.
A vegan lifestyle influencer and content creator, Abby shares vegan food, beauty, and lifestyle content with over 121K followers on Instagram. Her platform provides inspiration for vegan living, showcasing how plant-based choices can seamlessly integrate into various aspects of daily life.
Jason Adetola Mackson (The Electric Tribe)
Chef, author, and founder of The Electric Tribe, Ason promotes alkaline plant-based diets for optimal health. He is the author of Unprocess: The 30-Day Challenge and leads a community with over 1 million members, advocating for a lifestyle centred around plant-based nutrition.
Part of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan, Bobby Vylan is known for their provocative lyrics and anti-establishment stance. The duo has self-released music under their Ghost Theatre label, citing rejection by major labels due to their extreme content. Their political outspokenness, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, has led to backlash and scrutiny, including potential visa revocation in the U.S.
These individuals are not only embracing veganism but are also actively working to make the movement more inclusive and representative of diverse cultures and communities. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring that veganism in the UK becomes a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to make compassionate choices.