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Rootmaster
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This vegan eaterie sited in an old Routemaster bus is just the ticket. It is staffed by an ebullient team and filled with nostalgic details such as wind-down windows and that steep spiral staircase. An evening here is a memorable experience. Diners have the run of the upper deck, where a communal table, three individual tables and a diner-style bar make for a cramped yet convivial vibe. Cooking takes place downstairs. The menu comprises Asian and European dishes, including gyoza bursting with ‘umami’ flavour, and juicy stuffed mushrooms (life’s not too short, apparently). A sweet-potato, marinated tofu, and coconut curry excepted, mains weren’t as impressive. The maple rice supporting a mound of sprouting broccoli was watery and insipid, while a lentil money bag was under-seasoned, and its filo pastry not crisp enough. If the sun’s shining, take advantage of the tables out front, if it’s pouring, don’t worry – the steamy windows and clatter of rain on the roof combine to create a lovely atmosphere.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
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See also
- Eco tours in London
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- Old Truman Brewery car park, off Dray Walk, Brick Lane, E1 6QL
- Area: Brick Lane
- Tel: 07912 389314
- www.root-master.co.uk
- Book online
- Category: Vegetarian
- Travel: Aldgate East tube/Liverpool Street tube/rail
- Times: Meals served noon-9.45pm daily
- Price: Main courses £4-£12
- Credit cards: MC, V
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My first experience at the Rootmaster (for lunch, a few months ago) had been good, so I went back there with a friedn, for dinner this time. The menu was uninspiring, and the food ranged from Ok to terrible. An appetizer of mixed wild mushrooms inexplicably came drizzled with a raspberry sauce. The dumplings were good. The Tofu Tower, with layers of tofu and fried wonton crisps in a curried coconut sauce was another inexplicable combination. For dessert we order chocolate cake: it was as hard as a rock. We had to take turns pushing the end of the cake down so that the other could try and cut into the other end with a spoon without the whole thing tipping over.
Hmmm seriously. Us vegans need to come up with better and more inspired food if we are to take over the world!
My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2nd year anniversary last night and we wanted a date with some good value, varied veggie options and an atmosphere with the X factor. It was amazing!! Tucked away in a yard off Brick Lane, we were so excited by the prospect of dining on a bus as we walked up to it, and we were warmed like family with friendly and querky staff and a specially painted sign on the side of the bus to congratulate us! :o) The atmosphere was great – especially as it got darker and the candles started flickering. The tempura veg and wasabi type dip were delicious, and my tofu stack with thai curry sauce was huge – so hearty and satisfying. My boyfriend’s lentil and filo parcel was rather dry and lacking in taste I have to say, but I had plenty of veg curry sauce to offer him! And the chocolate cake was rich, heavy and scrummy! I’ll definitely come back again and again. Thanks for a lovely evening Rootmaster! xx
I was visiting London with my daughter and son-in-law who are vegan, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. We sat outside and when the sun was out it was great. Our waiter was delightful and the food was very inspired and nice. Should I happen to be in London again (I'm American) I will be back for dinner.
Ate here recently and was very disappointed. We arrived for dinner and were wrongly given the lunch menu, which has hearty options for around £6. This was swapped for the dinner menu, which has fancy stuff (i.e. no burger or Mexican wrap, which was available at lunch) for about £12-15 for a main. We decided to just share a few starters. Gyoza were yum, bruschetta was made with sliced wholegrain bread (!!!) and was tasty but at £5/6 I'd expect more than two slices of bread cut into triangles. Biggest rip-off was the stuffed mushroom. For £6 you get... one mushroom. Stuffed with herbs and breadcrumbs. We paid up, and walked up the street to the beigel bakery as we were still hungry.
This is a good place for a date - even if only for the novelty of eating on a very nicely refurbished (if a little cramped) routemaster bus, but I won't be going back.
beatiful place and excellent vegan food :)