The latest food trend to take Instagram by storm is – undoubtedly – goth food.

For those of us who are finally over unicorns, this comes as a welcome (and vastly less colourful) relief. Many of these dishes are made using activated charcoal, which aids with digestion, eliminates toxins that cause our immune system to function poorly and increases our energy levels and mental function. Even better, it’s also supposed to be a great hangover cure.

Still not convinced? Stylist rounds up five of the best places in London to unleash your inner dark side...

Little Ghost Bagels for black bagels and squid ink fried chicken

It’s time for the rainbow bagel to move over. The Little Ghost Bagels pop-up has created its much cooler cousin – the black bagel, which is created by adding small amounts of charcoal to the dough. The company also creates squid ink fried chicken, which might look off-putting but tastes finger lickin’ good.

Little Ghost Bagels even has a mantra that suits its Dark Lord status in the food world: ‘Hail Satan, eat bagels’. While the former sounds frankly, uh, a little scary, we will gladly partake in the latter. 

Follow Little Ghost Bagels on Instagram (@littleghostbagels) for upcoming pop-up dates

Pear Tree Café for black ice cream

British brand Jude’s launched its black ice cream back in May. It’s made from coconut ash, which gives this frozen treat its dark hue and summery flavour. Count us in…

Battersea Park Lakeside Café, SW11 4NJ

Pizzicotto for black pizza

Pizza of any kind is already going to be pretty darn good. At Pizzicotto, they make theirs with an activated charcoal base, which is fermented for up to a week. Since it’s not made using refined, bleached white flour, for those who are unable to have gluten, this pizza offers the perfect solution, while still maintaining its flavour.

267 Kensington High St, W8 6NA

Farm Girl for black lattes

When the morning rolls around, the last thing we want is an eyesore of a unicorn latte reminding us how perky and sparkly we don’t feel as we head off to work.

Instead, it’s time to go back to black and embrace the goth latte, which much more accurately matches our mood – and our soul. Farm Girl is one of the many places in London serving them up, and their personal concoction includes activated charcoal, date syrup and steamed cashew milk. If you’re lagging and craving the ultimate caffeine fix, they’ll even add a shot of espresso.

59a Portobello Rd, W11 3DB

Beany Green for black bread

Just when we thought avocado on toast couldn’t take on any more forms, Beany Green steps in to give us avocado on charcoal sourdough toast. You can also order it Shakshouka-style with poached eggs, spiced tomatoes and labne, or strained yogurt.

6C, Sheldon Square, W2 6EZ

Words: Laura Rutkowski

All images: Instagram