That’s what that big mysterious 'V’ at 73 Caledonian Road is about. Vx (V-cross) sells groceries, clothes, hot and cold drinks and cakes of the animal-free and dairy-free persuasion. According to the proprietor, it’s the only vegan walk-in shop in the country, let alone London.

Owner Rudy opened a month ago and designed the distinctly anarchist theme of the shop and merchandise. The emblem of the shop’s parent organisation ‘The Secret Society of Vegans’ is a Zorro-masked character set off by black and red stripes, and tattoo motifs. Rudy said, “We want to show that being vegan is not all about sandals and sprouts, and this is not like a health food shop”. Indeed, dominating the modest range of biscuits, cakes, snacks and vegan dog food (!) are a proliferation of printed t-shirts, bags, button badges, mugs, screen-printed posters and vegan shoes and belts.

I had a soy latte when I dropped by – it lacked strength but was nutty and smooth, and drinking it in the warm little conservatory downstairs with Coco the resident pup compensated somewhat.

This non-vegan local is pleased to see another interesting niche shop open up in the area. Vx, along with the stall at the post office, Itadaki Zen (vegan Japanese) on King’s Cross Rd, Matchless Gifts (Hare Krishna) on the Cally and the latent Tony’s Hemp Café add up to a veritable vegan/veggie hub. Rudy tells me that Tony’s might open temporarily near his store on the Cally. Meanwhile, I await news of visits from the likes of Morrissey and Natalie Portman when they’re in town. You never know.

Clare Hill