Lost Vegans

Lost Vegans Munch Away at PETA’s Brunch & Celebration Event!

First impressions: A little bit swanky, a whole lot of heart

First things first: Haberdashers’ Hall was beautiful. It felt more like a swanky conference than an animal activism gathering. Sophisticated surroundings, welcoming people and an entirely vegan buffet? We could get used to this. So yes, we absolutely did eat EVERYTHING eyes closed. You could tell by the smiles we weren’t the only ones!

We were definitely a little underdressed, but thankfully nobody seemed to mind! The welcoming name badges made introductions easy, and before long we were chatting to strangers as if we’d known them for years. If you’re vegan FTA, you’ll understand how refreshing it is to be around people who just get it. No explaining yourself, no protein questions, no defending your dinner. Just honest conversations with people who share your passion.

There was a PETA backdrop that became a photo hotspot, merchandise stalls selling clothing and accessories, and a silent auction featuring some lovely gifts and experiences. Our only regret? We’re still not over it. If you’re reading this and you bought it, please know that it was meant to be ours.

The brunch situation? Absolute vegan heaven.

Now, we cannot talk about this event without talking about the food. here was food everywhere. Canapés, nibbles, vegan eggs Benedict, mini French toast and desserts galore.

We even missed out on the tofu cream pie and brownies because we were too busy talking to people. A rookie mistake, really.

But the best bit? We could simply eat. No scrutinising ingredients, interrogating the server or wondering whether an animal had suffered to end up on our plate. Eyes closed, taste buds open, conscience clear.

There’s something wonderfully liberating about being able to enjoy a meal without having to think twice about what’s in it. And with so many options, nobody was going hungry. Err well, except us when we discovered what beauties we’d missed at the dessert table – and the empty plates around us suggested it tasted too dang good.

The conversations that stay with you

The conversations were every bit as memorable as the food.

One attendee told us about rescuing farmed chickens, including birds sold as “free range”, and transforming part of their garden into a dedicated chicken patio. Yes, an actual chicken patio!

They’d sacrificed precious garden space to give the chickens somewhere safe to explore and enjoy themselves. Hearing about each bird’s individual personality, and the joy of watching neglected animals recover and begin to trust again, was genuinely lovely.

It’s easy to forget that animals aren’t just a category or a product. They’re individuals, with their own personalities, quirks and preferences. Other conversations were harder. People spoke about the emotional toll of witnessing cruelty in everyday life, and the frustration of knowing how much suffering goes unseen.

For once, we didn’t have to explain why these things mattered to us. Everyone in the room understood.

A fairy tale setting, with some uncomfortable truths and real celebration

After brunch, we settled into the presentation area for a series of speakers who took us through PETA’s work and activism over the years. The invite was beautiful, the location and food equally were, and now the main event was starting, we were all eager to find out what PETA wanted to share with us and help raise money for their worthwhile cause.

The stories were powerful. We heard about campaigns that helped bring laboratory animal suffering into the public eye, including shutting down animals testing and saving hundreds from pointless experiments. There was also a solution… Yes PETA has scientists who can educate on alternative and more successful testing that doesn’t require the torture of animals!

We heard about protests at fashion shows and the wider campaign against fur, which helped challenge the idea that animal skins belonged on the runway. There were stories of partnerships such as Paul and Linda McCartney, alongside the work of countless brave activists who have spent years exposing cruelty that would otherwise remain hidden.

Of course, not every story was easy to hear.

Some stories were difficult to hear. We learned about a heart braking case of severely neglected dogs They were left chained up in such terrible conditions that one had to eat the other from starvation. We were also shown footage of sheep shearing and the realities of the wool industry. You could feel the room wince. Seeing sheep handled roughly is a world away from a cosy M&S jumper.

From laboratories to fashion runways: Progress is possible

But the presentations weren’t all heartbreak.

We heard about campaigns that helped expose animal suffering in laboratories, their efforts associated with laboratory closures, and the work of activists challenging fur in fashion. There were stories of partnerships with Paul and Linda McCartney, alongside the countless people who have spent years bringing animal cruelty into the public eye.

We also saw creative campaigns from across the UK, the US and Europe, including striking signage challenging chicken consumption and campaigns promoting cruelty-free cosmetics. And then there were the runway protests. Some activists jumped on stage and interrupted fashion shows to make with banners calling to end the fur and wool industry.

The social media comments about the H&M disruption were savage, but in an unexpected and hilarious way with people suggesting the activists looked better dressed than the models! Honestly, we totally agreed – and as a Brucey bonus we even got to meet one of those brave souls.

Behind the laughs was a serious message: campaigns can challenge what people consider normal, put pressure on companies and help bring alternatives into the mainstream. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but these stories showed what persistence can achieve.

Meeting Ingrid Newkirk: Courage, conviction and everyday activism

One of the standout moments of the day was hearing from Ingrid Newkirk, PETA’s founder and a longstanding figure in the animal rights movement. We were also delighted that Ingrid kindly agreed to let us share her story and photograph in this blog. Her message was a powerful one: every vegan act can be a form of activism.

I’ll be honest: listening to the incredible work being done by experienced activists made us feel a little like we’d only just joined the party. We wondered what we could possibly contribute in comparison.

Her own determination to challenge animal cruelty, despite the potential consequences, was inspiring. It reminded us that you don’t have to be fearless to stand up for what you believe in.

And you certainly don’t have to do it all.

Special shoutout to Lily

We also wanted to give a mention to Lily Baker, a vegan activist and one of the loveliest people we met that day.

Lily was one of the PETA coordinators who patiently answered our many pre-event questions. She gave us so much of her time and made us feel genuinely welcome — although Lost Vegans would like to take a little credit for being charming, obviously!

She spoke about her own vegan journey and the familiar jokes, ridicule and misunderstandings that come with speaking up for animals. It’s something many of us recognise, and hearing how she continues to push through was refreshing.

We asked Lily to share a little of her story with our readers, and here’s what she told us:

“I didn’t become vegan overnight. It happened gradually as I learned more about how animals are exploited for food and clothing. My mum brought me up on a mostly vegetarian diet, which sparked my curiosity from a young age. I remember asking a Nando’s staff member whether the chicken they used was battery-farmed or free-range. Looking back, that was one of the first times I can remember questioning how animals are treated. Today, I’m proud to be vegan, though like many people, I wish I’d learned what I know now sooner.

I live in London, so I’m a bit spoilt for choice when it comes to vegan restaurants. My current favourites are Jam Delish, Tofu Vegan, and of course Mildreds! When cooking at home, my go-to ingredients are Bold Bean Co chickpeas, tofu, and tempeh – all versatile and packed with protein.”

What can we do for the animals?

We left Haberdashers’ Hall feeling inspired, but also reminded that activism isn’t reserved for people on a stage or in a protest video.

There are plenty of ways to make a difference in everyday life:

1. Share tasty vegan recipes – Cook or recommend vegan friendly restaurants that are your weekly go to.
2. Choose cruelty-free alternatives everywhere, even if it’s the hardest option – Cosmetics as well as clothing and food.
3. Support animal rescues – Skip the zoo, go to a sanctuary instead or donate to animal causes.
4. Get involved – Be a brave animal activist, sign petitions, attend events or join a campaign that matters to you.
5. Speak Up – You don’t have to argue 24/7 – plant a seed, show the science behind a vegan lifestyle.

You don’t need to do everything, and you don’t need to be perfect. Just find a way to help that feels right for you.

Until next time, keep choosing kindness & donate to PETA

Our day at PETA was a brilliant mix of delicious food, fascinating people, difficult truths and fantastic progress being made for the animals.

We met people doing extraordinary things, heard stories that will stay with us, and discovered that even in a room full of inspiring activists, there’s a place for little blogs like ours.

So we’ll keep doing what we do at Lost Vegans: sharing recipes, reviewing products, exploring cruelty-free alternatives and talking about the things that matter to us.

What PETA need is more support and YOUR support. So please give generously and donate via the PETA UK website to really make a difference. unlike the RSPCA ‘assured’ gimmick they do not advocate for any animal harm and will fight for every life with every penny you give. Visit https://www.peta.org.uk/ – The organisation means ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – it doesn’t get purer than that.

What does Vegan Activism mean to you? Is it rescuing animals, joining a protest, sharing a recipe, changing what you buy, or simply helping someone see things differently?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Love,

Lost Vegans 💚