It’s no surprise that Totnes in Devon is home to some of the country’s best vegetarian food, with it’s alternative, new-age reputation. Willow is up there with the best, serving food that stalwarts of the vegetarian restaurant scene will recognise – quiches, curries, falafels – but doing it better than most, and at decent prices to boot.
87 High St, Totnes TQ9 5PB; 01803862605
Midlands
Land Restaurant, Birmingham
With stellar seasonal small plates based on what’s available, served over four- or six-course tasting menus, Birmingham’s Land has garnered a fervent fanbase, spurred on by a gushing review in the Observer in 2020. Expect plenty of Ottolenghi-fied roasted vegetables, with a nod to Asian ingredients too.
30 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU; land.restaurant
The POD Cafe, Coventry
Part of a multi-faceted council-run community space, this vegan café provides one of the most affordable meals around, with the set lunch costing just £8. The plant-based menu changes regularly, but expect a lunch to include offerings like roasted cauliflower and black bean curry, pilau rice and salad, followed by cardamom cake.
31 Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5DW; coventry.gov.uk/thepod
No. Twelve, Nottingham
This Nottingham eaterie focuses on simple, fresh dishes made with local ingredients and avoiding animal-based products. Having only been open a few years, No Twelve has won multiple awards for its “elevated vegan cuisine”. Expect fake meats and cheeses taken to another level, as well as the likes of cauliflower tart fine, teriyaki tofu skewers brilliant desserts.
2-3 Eldon Chambers, Nottingham NG1 2NS; no12nottingham.co.uk
North
Whale Tail Cafe, Lancaster
A Lancaster establishment for the past 25 years, Whail Tail is a traditional British caff, but vegetarian. Think a build-your-own-breakfast menu with all the classics, even a vegan black pudding option. For lunch there are jacket potatoes, vegan burgers and tofu BLTs. Affordable, no-nonsense and delicious grub.
78a Penny Street, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 1XN; whaletailcafe.co.uk
Hypha, Chester
Chester has become something of a foodie hub in recent years, and that’s certainly the case for vegetarian and vegan food, too. The city has a plethora of cheap and fast-food options, but Hypha brings a level of sophistication, with its ever-evolving, “micro-seasonal” tasting menu. Awarded a green Michelin star in 2021 for its efforts in sustainability.
5 City Walls, Chester, CH1 2JG; hypha.uk
The Allotment, Manchester
Not only is this much-loved Manchester spot vegan, but gluten-free too. Like many new-wave vegan spots, it focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu is globetrotting, from chestnut bourguignon to mushroom ramen, ‘fish and chips’ to tofu laksa.
18/22 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5WA; allotmentvegan.co.uk
Prashad, Bradford
With longstanding Indian and Pakistani populations it’s no surprise some of the country’s best vegetarian cooking can be found in Bradford. Prashad, run by a Gujarati family, aims to blend both the traditional and the modern. The five- and seven-course tasting menus are available in both vegetarian or vegan options, and include the likes of paneer tikka, masala dosa and kofta. Couples should seek out the excellent-value fixed price menu, at £38 for the pair.
137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, BD11 1AT; prashad.co.uk
Wales
Le Public Space, Newport
An iconic cultural space which includes a music venue and cinema as well as all sorts of creative arts, Le Public Space now also has a bar with a fully vegan menu. The offering centres around fast food and pub classics, so expect burgers, ‘chicken’ wings, pies and more. Perfect post-gig food.
14 High Street, Newport NP20 1FW; lepublicpsace.co.uk
Eartha, Cardiff
Eartha is a restaurant, plant shop and deli rolled into one. Come for the succulents, stay for the excellent cooking handled by the team behind Herbivore (which runs another restaurant in the city). At Eartha, expect local produce handled with care in a regularly changing menu.
213 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JD; earthastore.com
