In the heart of London’s vibrant Bankside district lies a culinary gem that has redefined the plant-based dining experience: Tibits Plant-Based Buffet Bankside. Nestled at 124 Southwark Street, just a stone’s throw from cultural landmarks like the Tate Modern and the bustling South Bank, this Swiss-born vegetarian and vegan restaurant has earned a reputation as a haven for food enthusiasts seeking delicious, sustainable, and guilt-free meals. With its innovative “food boat” buffet concept, a commitment to seasonal ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, Tibits Bankside offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the joys of plant-based eating. In this article, we’ll explore the history, ethos, dining experience, and cultural significance of Tibits Bankside, delving into why it stands out as a beacon of modern vegetarian cuisine in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

A Brief History of Tibits: From Switzerland to London

Tibits began its journey in 2000 in Zurich, Switzerland, founded by three brothers—Christian, Daniel, and Reto Frei—alongside the Swiss company Hiltl, which boasts the title of the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, established in 1898. The vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a dining space where vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians alike could enjoy fresh, flavorful food without compromising on variety or quality. The concept quickly gained traction in Switzerland, leading to the opening of multiple locations across the country, including Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, and Winterthur.

In 2008, Tibits crossed international borders and arrived in London, opening its first UK location on Heddon Street in Mayfair. The move was a bold one, introducing a buffet-style vegetarian restaurant to a city known for its diverse yet often meat-heavy culinary scene. The success of the Mayfair branch paved the way for a second London outpost, Tibits Bankside, which opened its doors in June 2017. Housed in a former factory building, the Bankside location brought Tibits’ signature blend of Swiss efficiency and plant-based creativity to the culturally rich and rapidly evolving Southwark area. Though the London locations sadly closed in 2020 due to economic challenges—a topic we’ll revisit later—the legacy of Tibits Bankside remains a fascinating case study in plant-based dining innovation.

The Unique “Food Boat” Concept

At the heart of the Tibits experience is its iconic “food boat,” a playful yet practical twist on the traditional buffet. Unlike the sprawling, often chaotic spreads of conventional buffets, the food boat is a sleek, canoe-shaped station that holds over 40 dishes, each meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Guests are invited to grab a plate and explore the offerings, selecting as much or as little as they like. The pricing model is equally distinctive: rather than a fixed cost, diners pay by weight, with a rate of approximately £2.50 per 100 grams (as of its operational years). This system encourages mindful eating, allowing patrons to sample a variety of flavors without overcommitting to a single dish.

The food boat is more than just a gimmick—it’s a reflection of Tibits’ commitment to flexibility and inclusivity. With around 80% of the menu being vegan and the remainder vegetarian, the offerings cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. From hearty mains to light salads, the selection draws inspiration from cuisines around the globe, including Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, and British influences. Standout dishes during its tenure included creamy tomato spelt risotto, spiced carrot soup, Korean-style antipasti, and indulgent vegan desserts like raspberry pie and chocolate-pear cake. The seasonal rotation of the menu ensured that no two visits were quite the same, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for regulars.

A Space Designed for Comfort and Community

Tibits Bankside wasn’t just about the food—it was about the environment in which it was enjoyed. The restaurant’s interior, housed in a repurposed industrial building, blended modern design with a cozy, neighborhood-friendly vibe. Floral wallpaper, warm lighting, and ample seating created an inviting atmosphere, while a summer terrace at the back offered a serene escape for al fresco dining. The layout was thoughtfully designed to separate the dining area from the buffet, avoiding the cluttered feel that often plagues all-you-can-eat establishments.

The location itself added to its appeal. Bankside, a district known for its artistic heritage and proximity to the Thames, attracts a diverse crowd of locals, tourists, and professionals. Tibits positioned itself as a go-to spot for everyone from health-conscious creatives to families exploring nearby attractions. Its operating hours—7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, extending to 11 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and slightly later starts on weekends—made it accessible for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a post-gallery snack.

The Ethos: Sustainability and Plant-Based Living

Tibits Bankside wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a statement. At a time when plant-based eating was gaining momentum but still considered niche, Tibits championed the idea that vegetarian and vegan food could be delicious, satisfying, and mainstream. The restaurant’s emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients underscored its commitment to sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-haul food transport. By partnering with local suppliers and prioritizing organic produce where possible, Tibits aligned itself with the growing demand for ethical dining options.

The plant-based focus also tapped into broader societal shifts. In the late 2010s, London was witnessing a surge in vegetarian and vegan eateries, driven by concerns over climate change, animal welfare, and personal health. Tibits Bankside arrived at the perfect moment, offering a polished alternative to the city’s burgeoning vegan street food scene. Its buffet model allowed diners to explore plant-based eating at their own pace, making it an ideal entry point for flexitarians or curious omnivores hesitant to fully commit to a meat-free lifestyle.

The Dining Experience: What Set Tibits Apart

Visiting Tibits Bankside was an adventure in itself. Upon entering, guests were greeted by the sight of the food boat, its vibrant array of dishes beckoning exploration. The process was straightforward: pick up a plate, load it with your choices, and head to the counter to weigh and pay. Drinks, ranging from freshly pressed juices to vegan wines and cocktails, were ordered separately, with highlights including beers from Freedom Brewery and Dodd’s Gin & Tonics during special events like the bottomless brunch.

The food itself was a testament to Tibits’ culinary prowess. Each dish was crafted to balance flavor, texture, and nutrition, proving that plant-based eating needn’t be bland or restrictive. Favorites like the veggie sausage roll and goat cheese walnut flatbread (for vegetarians) showcased the kitchen’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Vegan options, such as baba ganoush and Korean antipasti, brought bold, international flair to the table. Desserts, too, were a highlight—rich, indulgent, and entirely plant-based, they shattered any notion that vegan sweets lack depth.

Service was another strong suit. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, quick to explain the pay-by-weight system or highlight vegan options for newcomers. The soft launch in June 2017, which offered 50% off everything for a week, set the tone for Tibits’ community-focused approach, inviting locals to experience the space as it fine-tuned its operations. Events like bottomless brunches, complete with live music and unlimited drinks, further cemented its reputation as a social hub.

Challenges and Closure: A bittersweet Ending

Despite its popularity, Tibits Bankside faced significant hurdles. Running a restaurant in London has always been a high-stakes endeavor, with soaring rents, staffing costs, and competition creating a challenging landscape. The buffet model, while innovative, may have deterred some diners wary of its perceived expense—£14 for a plate, while reasonable for the quality, could feel steep compared to fixed-price alternatives. Accessibility issues also surfaced, with reports of steps at the entrance posing difficulties for wheelchair users, despite an accessible toilet inside.

The final blow came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the hospitality industry. Tibits announced the permanent closure of both its London locations—Bankside and Mayfair—citing “rising costs” and “economic uncertainty” as insurmountable barriers. Co-founder Reto Frei expressed his sadness in a statement, noting that despite 12 years of growth and a loyal following, the financial reserves simply weren’t there to weather the storm. The Swiss and German branches remained operational, but London bid farewell to its beloved plant-based buffet.

Legacy and Lessons

Though Tibits Bankside is no longer open, its impact lingers. It demonstrated that plant-based dining could be sophisticated, inclusive, and commercially viable, paving the way for successors in London’s ever-evolving food scene. The food boat concept remains a benchmark for creative buffet design, while the pay-by-weight model offers a blueprint for reducing food waste—a pressing concern in today’s sustainability discourse.

For those who experienced it, Tibits Bankside was more than a restaurant—it was a celebration of what plant-based eating could be: diverse, delicious, and deeply satisfying. Its closure serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the most innovative ventures in an unpredictable industry. Yet, as plant-based diets continue to rise in popularity, the spirit of Tibits lives on, inspiring chefs, restaurateurs, and diners to rethink the possibilities of vegetarian cuisine.

Conclusion

Tibits Plant-Based Buffet Bankside was a trailblazer in London’s culinary landscape, blending Swiss ingenuity with a global palate to create a dining experience that was as delightful as it was forward-thinking. From its food boat to its seasonal menus, it offered a fresh perspective on plant-based eating, proving that sustainability and indulgence can coexist. Though its time in Bankside was cut short, its legacy endures as a testament to the power of food to bring people together and spark meaningful change. For anyone passionate about flavor, ethics, or simply a great meal, Tibits Bankside will remain a cherished memory—and a beacon of what’s possible in the world of plant-based dining.