Gone are the days of veggie and vegan food being accused of being bland, limited or uninspiring.
A number of chefs at the centre of the plant-based food revolution are changing the game completely. Meat and dairy substitutes have come such a long way that even carnivores are being converted.
The humble vegetable, meanwhile, is proving it deserves to be the main event. In our latest blog, we highlight the UK’s top plant-based restaurants, serving great food that just happens to be veggie and vegan. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or not, these special places are bound to convince you to give peas a chance.
Land, Birmingham
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Using only the freshest, seasonal produce, this modern restaurant takes inspiration from around the world to create showstopping veggie dishes. Land opened in 2019 and is tucked away in the Great Western Arcade in the heart of Birmingham City Centre.
Head chefs Adrian and Tony develop six-course seasonal tasting menus, allowing them to highlight the best ingredients available at that time. Elevating the humble vegetable to the main event, Land creates a constantly surprising and consistently stunning dining experience that renowned critic Jay Rayner filed under “thrilling”.
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Jam Delish, Islington
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This independent, family-owned Caribbean vegan restaurant and cocktail bar in Angel, Islington was founded in 2020 by siblings Jordan and Chyna. Their idea was to transform their grandparents’ traditional Caribbean recipes into a modern, plant-based menu. Curried ‘goat’ and jerk ‘chicken’ are a given, but Jam Delish’s menu also fuses influences from other cultures.
‘Saltfish’ sushi, Baja ‘fish’ tacos and ‘oxtail’ chow mein are just some examples from this innovative menu. Guardian reviewer Grace Dent called Jam Delish “genius” and a “game-changer”. You won’t disagree once you’ve sampled this trendy vegan hotspot.
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Vegivores, Reading
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Founded in 2017, Vegivores is a true grassroots success story. The team behind this vegan gem started their street food and catering business and soon built a loyal following. Two years later, organic growth saw them opening their first restaurant in Caversham, Reading and now they have a second branch in Bournemouth.
Menus at this ‘natural kitchen’ are seasonal and include brunch, lunch and an evening offering. From colourful veg-loaded Buddha bowls to comfort food like Mac and cheese and rich luxurious curries, there’s so much variety and inspiration on Vegivore’s menu.
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Mildreds, London
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Plant-based diets might seem like a modern phenomenon, but Mildreds has been innovating with vegetables since 1988. The first branch of this all-day, all-night restaurant popped up in Soho over 35 years ago. Now branches can be found in Covent Garden, Camden, Kings Cross and Dalston.
Of course, South Asia has been making vegetables the main event for centuries, and Mildreds’ menu is heavily influenced by it. But today it looks increasingly to East Asia and other continents for culinary inspiration too. Mildreds might be firmly based within the M25, but its inspiration and influence go way beyond.
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Club Mexicana, London
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Club Mexicana began as a Saturday night supper club in a Hackney cafe before making its mark on the city’s street food scene. Today it boasts locations in Brixton, Soho and Shoreditch too. Chef Meriel Armitage is a pro taco-slinger and her creations deserve every bit of the buzz that surrounds them.
Club Mexicana’s meaty jackfruit, Baja tofish and seitan shawarma tacos are little slices of South American heaven. Pair them with frozen margaritas for a boozy brunch (bottomless on Tuesdays). Elsewhere on the menu are all the classics including empanadas, huevos rancheros, nachos, burritos and yummy churros for dessert!
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Pastan, Bristol
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Pasta has long been the vegetarian staple on pub menus, but in the relaxed cosy atmosphere of Pastan, it is elevated to a true showstopper. Filled with natural light and adorned with lush plants, Pastan is nestled between Bristol’s Harbourside and Queen Square.
Some would argue that you simply can’t make a carbonara without the vital ingredients of salty pork, silky eggs and hard cheese, but here, no compromise is made. It’s just one of many classics that use the finest vegan substitutes. They sit alongside Spanish-inspired dishes like paella (subbing rice for orzo) and classic comfort foods like hearty mac and cheese.
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