To celebrate National Vegetarian Week 2018, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hot spots for veggie food lovers (and those who are interested in trying a meat-free diet).
Food for Friends is Brighton’s award-winning vegetarian restaurant in the historic South Lanes. Their ethos is tasty, affordable and honest cooking using the freshest produce. As well as innovative meat-free dishes, the restaurant also caters for vegan and gluten-free diners. If you like to try a little of everything, their sharing platter is piled high with halloumi bites, a veggie Scotch egg, pickled turmeric cauliflower and lots more.
Stem + Glory, Cambridge
Located in the heart of Cambridge, Stem + Glory is a bustling vegan eatery, serving delicious plant-based food. It has won numerous awards, including Best Newcomer at the Cambridge Food & Drinks Awards 2017 and Small Business of the Year Business Excellence Award 2017. Don’t miss their warming S+G ramen bowl or the weekly changing gourmet burger.
If you thought comfort food only comes in the form of meaty dishes, think again. Down The Hatch in Liverpool serves vegetarian fast food and delicious cocktails for when you don’t just want to chew on a few salad leaves and feel all clean and healthy, but need a warm hug in the form of a junk food feast. We recommend trying their Mack ‘N’ Many Cheese – it’s a classic for a good reason.
WILDFLOWER, London
WILDFLOWER, located in Peckham, is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving delicious lunch and dinner throughout the week and a fantastic brunch at the weekend. Music lovers are in for a treat as the restaurant shares its home with Ghost Notes, a South London music venue which hosts live music and DJs. Head Chef Joseph Ryan draws inspiration from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine for the daily menu.
Situated close to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen is a true gem. The light and airy dining room and relaxed atmosphere will make you feel right at home. The menu surprises with modern techniques and bold flavour combinations that make vegetarian cuisine fun to try and – most importantly – delicious.
The Gate, London
Established in 1989, The Gate has been promoting meat-free eating for nearly three decades and is a well-loved hot spot for vegetarians in the capital. There are three locations to try – one in Marylebone; one in Islington (close to Sadler’s Wells Theatre); and the original in Hammersmith that has a garden terrace for al fresco dining.
A vegan butcher in Dublin – or in fact, anywhere – sounds quite intriguing, doesn’t it? In fact, the menu at Vegan Butcher really is meaty – there’s a steak, a burger and schnitzels, but they are all made with veggies, of course. The restaurant, run by the charismatic Barto Sova, who came to Ireland from Poland 13 years ago, is a top spot for nutritious vegan cuisine. With a slogan like “Tasty, Healthy, Happy, Sexy” – what’s not to love?
Kalpna, Edinburgh
Kalpna, located in the heart of beautiful Edinburgh, is a traditional Indian restaurant serving first class vegan and vegetarian food. Owner Sheela Bhosale is a dedicated vegetarian and her passion for healthy food shows in her dishes. Curious yet? Order one of their thalis or try a South Indian speciality like masala dosa.
Bundobust is a buzzy, modern restaurant serving creative Indian street food and a great selection of craft beers from local and international breweries. If you are up for a new take on Indian dining, this is the restaurant for you. The menu offers sharing style portions of Gujarat-inspired street food – try the paneer and mushroom tikka and the okra fries seasoned with black salt and mango powder.
This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
