Unity Diner, a prominent vegan restaurant in London co-founded by animal rights activist Ed Winters (known as Earthling Ed), is set to close its doors permanently on February 1st, 2025 due to rising costs.

Established in 2018, Unity Diner started in a smaller space in Hoxton, East London, before relocating to a bigger venue in Aldgate to accommodate its growing popularity.

The eatery and cocktail bar made a name for itself by transforming classic favorites into tasty vegan dishes. Menu highlights include vegan lobster mac and cheese, prime flank steak, double bacon cheeseburgers, and the signature beer-battered tofish and chips. The menu also featured indulgent desserts like tiramisu and crème brûlée, alongside creative cocktails such as Vegan Propaganda (inspired by Winters’s 2022 book), Piers Morgan’s Tears, and Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned.

Committed to sustainability, Unity Diner ensured that all straws, takeaway containers, and coffee cups were plastic-free and biodegradable. Staff uniforms were made from 100% organic cotton and printed with vegan ink, free of chemicals.

A percentage of the diner’s earnings supported animal rights causes, including the creation of Surge Sanctuary in 2020, a safe haven for rescued farm animals.

The decision to close the diner was influenced by a range of economic challenges that have beset the hospitality industry in the UK, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The restaurant’s announcement on their social media detailed these struggles, stating, “We’re deeply saddened to share that Veganuary 2025 will be our last month here at Unity Diner, and we’ll be closing our doors after service finishes on February 1st. Sadly, we’ve not been spared from the economic situation affecting the hospitality sector here in the UK, and with soaring costs since Covid and our landlords now wanting a rent increase, the time has sadly come for us to call it a day.”

Unity Diner’s closure comes during a particularly difficult period for the UK’s hospitality industry, which is seeing restaurant closures at an unprecedented rate. According to data from Price Bailey, more than 1,400 restaurants shut down in the year ending September 30, 2024, reflecting a 19.4% increase compared to the previous year.

The financial pressures on the industry are severe, with one in five restaurants operating with negative net assets and over 10% facing immediate risk of closure due to escalating costs for ingredients, utilities, and rent.

Vegan eateries have not been spared from these challenges. In the past year, Clean Kitchen Club closed its Notting Hill location, while The Vurger Co ceased operations entirely. Other notable closures include Harmonium in Edinburgh, Frost Burgers in Liverpool, Donner Summer in Sheffield, and JJ’s Vish and Chips in Manchester.

The situation has also affected larger vegan brands. Flower Burger exited the UK market in September, and Neat, the plant-based burger chain backed by Lewis Hamilton, reduced its presence by closing five of its nine London outlets.

The news about Unity Diner closing has really struck a chord, drawing reactions of sadness from customers and fellow restaurant owners alike. Alexis Gauthier, who owns Gauthier Soho and 123Vegan, responded with an offer of help, expressing how disheartening the news was. He said, “This is so so sad! You are doing so much for raising awareness in animal welfare. Surely something can be done,” showing his support and concern for the cause that Unity Diner has championed.

Unity Diner will remain open through Veganuary 2025 to celebrate its milestones and continue raising funds for the sanctuary, encouraging patrons to support the cause by becoming monthly donors. “Any support is hugely appreciated and very much needed to help care for the animals,” they wrote.