The Oven District, an independent, family-run Lebanese café in Chiswick, London, is making waves with their switch to default oat milk. 

Alongside the Canteen and Bonnies, this is the third café to adopt oat milk as their default as part of our Udderly Kind campaign, proving that transitions to more plant-rich, vegan food systems are not only possible but profitable and popular, too. 

Stephanie, the owner of Oven District, says: 

'I’m so excited about starting with default oat and I really hope it’s going to make a difference. I’m expecting customers to react with awareness… and maybe engage in a conversation about the reality of things, how we’re completely overconsuming animal products, and how it’s completely destroying our environment.'

'I expect them to react positively to default oat because in Chiswick people are very eco-friendly and they like to engage with nature. And I think this will make a big difference… Making oat the default encourages them to actually taste it, and maybe they will like it, and completely switch from cow milk.

What I am most looking forward to is change. If I can influence one person, I would be so happy. Because any one person can make a difference. So to other businesses I would say: just do it, go for it! Find the confidence to face customers and say: ‘Try oat milk, try something new, something good for our planet’'

Businesses Are Leading By Example 

These cafés are showing that it is safe for businesses to try new things, get creative in promoting plants, and make positive change. They’re proving that customers are open-minded with oat milk when presented with the option. Plus, our collaboration with Minor Figures means that cafés are financially supported by a reputable brand through oat milk stock, events, and partnership.

Some words from Greg (Head of On Trade EMEA) at Minor Figures came to support the launch of Oven District’s trial:

‘Having a default oat trial here in central London is amazing to see. We’re doing this to leave the planet in a better place than we’re finding it, and I hope this can be the blueprint for us to do more and more. 

To any cafes considering oat as default, I would say: just give it a go! Oat milk has played, and I think will continue to play a really big part in coffee culture, both from an environmental perspective and from a taste perspective. By giving people the opportunity to try it without the cost penalty (or surplus charge), you’ll be pleasantly surprised. These trials are gathering the data to show you that customers are reacting positively to this.

Minor Figures wants to take as much risk away from businesses as possible. So we’re here to support you, not just through free oat milk stock ... But also through our amazing brand team who would love to support you and create a long-lasting partnership.'

If you are a café interested in getting involved, or know a café that might be, you can reach out to us at eve@animaljusticeproject.com for more information and resources. 

As always,

For the Animals!

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