There’s plenty of vegan spots in London and Alter is one you want on your radar, not just for Veganuary but for life. After a successful residency in Clapham, founder Andy Goodwin (who trained under Andrew Wong, as well as worked at the likes of Dabbous and Som Saa) has planted Alter’s roots on the top floor of the Leman Locke Hotel in Aldgate East. Everything on the menu is entirely plant-based and plant-derived, so you won’t find any meat and dairy substitutes here and it’s all the better for it. Goodwin has drawn inspo from pan-Asian flavours and textures, marrying humble veggies and tofu with spices, herbs and other adornments. There’s big flavours and playful techniques put on the plate at Alter and we love to see it. Drinks-wise, it’s the same kind of vibe. we’re talking yuzu sake negronis and gin, guava & Thai basil cocktails. Start with the izakaya pickle plate and then move onto the Chengdu street tofu with bamboo sauce, perhaps the sexiest tofu we’ve ever eaten; the charred Jordan cabbage with kolae coconut curry and the Khao-Soi noodle laksa with oyster mushrooms. Alter is giving the veggies often shunned to the side plate the glory they deserve. Take your vegan friends, take your not vegan friends – just go.