It’s no surprise that Totnes in Devon is home to some of the best vegetarian food in the country, with its alternative, new-age reputation. Willow is up there with the best, serving dishes that stalwarts of the vegetarian restaurant scene will recognize — quiches, curries, falafels — but does better than most, and at decent prices to boot.
87 High St, Totnes TQ9 5PB; 01803862605
Midlands
Country Restaurant, Birmingham
With great seasonal small plates based on what’s available, served with four- or six-course tasting menus, Birmingham’s Land has amassed an avid fan base, spurred on by a gushing review in the Observer in 2020. Expect plenty of Ottolenghi-fied roasted vegetables, too, with a nod to Asian ingredients.
30 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU; country.restaurant
The POD Cafe, Coventry
Part of a versatile council-run community space, this vegan cafe offers some of the most affordable meals around, with a set lunch costing just £8. The plant-based menu changes regularly, but expect lunch with dishes such as 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 eatery focuses on simple, fresh dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and avoiding animal products. No Twelve has only been open for a few years and has won multiple awards for its “lofty vegan cuisine”. Expect fake meats and cheeses taken to another level as well as cauliflower tarts, teriyaki tofu skewers brilliant desserts.
2-3 Eldon Chambers, Nottingham NG1 2NS; no12nottingham.co.uk
north
Whale Tail Cafe, Lancaster
A Lancaster establishment for 25 years, Whail Tail is a traditional British cafe but vegetarian. Think of a homemade 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; whaletailcafé.co.uk
Hypha, Chester
Chester has become something of a foodie hub in recent years, and that certainly includes vegetarian and vegan food. 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 sustainability efforts.
5 City Walls, Chester, CH1 2JG; hypha.uk
The allotment, Manchester
This much-loved Manchester spot is not only vegan, but gluten-free too. Like many new-wave vegan spots, it focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu is world-wide, 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 a long-standing Indian and Pakistani population, it’s no surprise that Bradford is home to some of the best vegetarian food in the country. Run by a Gujarati family, Prashad strives to blend both traditional and modern. The five- and seven-course tasting menus are available in both vegetarian and vegan options, and include paneer tikka, masala dosa, and kofta. Couples should seek out the excellent fixed price menu, at £38 for the couple.
137 Whitehall Road, Drightington, BD11 1AT; prashad.co.uk
Wales
Le Public Space, Newport
An iconic cultural space with a music venue and cinema, as well as all sorts of creative arts, Le Public Space now also has a bar with an all-vegan menu. The offerings revolve around fast food and pub classics, so expect burgers, ‘chicken wings’, pies and more. Perfect food after a gig.
14 High Street, Newport NP20 1FW; lepublicpsace.co.uk
Eartha, Cardiff
Eartha is a restaurant, plant shop and delicatessen all in one. Come for the succulents, stay for the excellent cuisine provided by the team behind Herbivore (which runs another restaurant in town). At Eartha, expect that regional products are treated with care in a regularly changing menu.
213 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JD; earthastore.com