LNER’s guide to vegan-friendly cities around the UK
After the excess of Christmas and New Year’s, many people in the UK use January to review and rebalance their lifestyles.
While many resolutions may turn out to be too tough to stick with, Veganuary is one that can stay the course.
The official Veganuary website supports people wanting to go vegan for January with meal plans, cookbooks, daily email tips, and more. Last year saw 700,000 people sign-up for a variety of reasons – including personal health concerns, animal welfare advocacy, and the environmental benefits associated with a vegan lifestyle.
To help support people going vegan for January, LNER’s First Class onboard food selection will include four menus containing vegan-inspired food across the month. And for those thinking about taking a mini-break during Veganuary 2024, we've researched the best UK cities for vegans to visit.
Top 20 vegan-friendly cities
Demand in the UK for vegan food has never been higher. The average number of searches for vegan restaurants has increased by 82.4% since 2021, now standing at 40,500 searches per month.
We looked at the UK’s 20 largest cities to see which ones catered for this growing appetite (no pun intended!) for vegan food, and here’s how they rank:
Rank | City | Score out of 100 |
---|---|---|
1 | Brighton | 86.9 |
2 | Manchester | 64.9 |
3 | Bristol | 59.9 |
4 | Edinburgh * | 54.5 |
5 | London * | 39.4 |
6 | Glasgow * | 33.9 |
7 | York * | 33 |
8 | Liverpool | 25.5 |
9 | Cardiff | 23.7 |
10 | Reading | 22.8 |
11 | Newcastle upon Tyne * | 22.1 |
12 | Southampton | 19.8 |
13 | Birmingham | 18.7 |
14 | Leeds * | 18 |
15 | Leicester | 17.3 |
16 | Bournemouth | 17.2 |
17 | Sheffield | 14.7 |
18 | Middlesborough * | 14.1 |
19 | Coventry | 13.1 |
20 | Stoke-on-Trent | 5.2 |
* cities with stations on the LNER route
1. Brighton
Terre à Terre
A Lanes icon with a 5 star Hardens rating, Terre à Terre has been serving-up innovative vegan cuisine since 1993.
The Vurger Co
The Vurger Co. is an award-winning vegan burger restaurant and takeaway, tucked away in one of Brighton’s many back streets. It also offers vegan chicken and waffles, salad wraps, and a range of decadent vegan shakes – the Biscoff in particular is a real treat!
What The Pitta
Recreating the experience of a doner kebab is no easy feat for a vegan, but What The Pitta has succeeded and then some! The first-ever vegan winner of ‘Best London Takeaway’ at the Kebab Awards 2020, their Brighton branch is a must-try for residents and visitors alike. Close to the beach, their takeaway option is perfect for those who want to watch the waves while they eat – just remember to keep an eye out for the city’s smart seagulls.
2. Manchester and 3. Bristol
4. Edinburgh
Plant Bae
Plant Bae offers up a tempting selection of vegan waffles, brownies, cookies, and breakfast options, including avocado on toast. Their Bae Daddy giant-croissant is something to behold, even if you don’t end up taking one away!
Seeds for the Soul
Seeds for the Soul is a popular spot in Bruntsfield that offers wholesome and flavourful vegan dishes, as well as vegan artwork that’s a feast on the eyes.
Black Rabbit
Let’s face it – vegan cheese can be somewhat…underwhelming at times. But not at the Black Rabbit! A cosy cafe with an all-day vegan menu, it also supplies locals with vegan cheeses and vegan deli slices that are just as satisfying as their animal-based alternatives.
5. London
The Temple of Seitan
Temple of Seitan is the first of our recommended vegan eateries. It’s a casual Camden Town spot that specialises in seitan-based dishes, including burgers, wings, and sides.
Farmacy
For something more fancy, Farmacy is a stylish bistro that serves up a menu of seasonal, locally-sourced vegan dishes, with an emphasis on fresh flavours and elegant presentation.
Crosstown Doughnuts
Crosstown Doughnuts is a popular chain with a dedicated vegan menu featuring sweet and savoury plant-based options.
Planet Organic
With 9 stores dotted around the capital, there’s no excuse not to squeeze in a visit to Planet Organic between sightseeing stops. Once inside, you can peruse a wide range of organic and vegan products, including groceries, snacks, and cosmetics.
6. Glasgow
Suissi Vegan Asian Kitchen
Suissi Vegan Asian Kitchen is a hidden gem that’s been serving up authentic vegan Chinese and Thai dishes since 2019. They combine fresh ingredients with traditional cooking methods, and all without any MSG or artificial enhancers.
Vivi's Deli
A cosy combination of vegan sandwiches and guilt-free groceries, Vivi's Deli also sells salads and snacks for people on-the-go.
Plant Blonde
Vegan cafes don’t come much better than Plant Blonde. It’s a fully-vegan bakery that offers a variety of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, all complemented by a lively selection of coffee and teas.
7. York
Döner Summer
Unsurprisingly, the Döner Summer menu is full of amusing names for their unique take on vegan junk food. The portions are plentiful, the tastes exciting, and the experience one to remember!
Goji Cafe Vegetarian Cafe & Deli
Located within the historic city walls, the Goji Vegetarian Cafe & Deli is a cosy space with a menu of healthy and nutritious vegan options, from breakfast bowls and salads to sandwiches and smoothies.
Orchid Vegan Restaurant
The Orchid Vegan Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant experience with the clear aim of avoiding all animal-based ingredients, materials, chemicals, or food additives.
8. Liverpool and 9. Cardiff
10. Reading
Vegivores
Vegivores seek to spread the joys of a healthier and more sustainable diet. The fun food matches perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere, and the staff are always happy to chat all things environmentally-conscious!
London Street Brasserie
The London Street Brasserie (LSB to those in the know) is an award-winning Reading restaurant with vegetarian and vegan-friendly a la carte and set menus.
L’Ortolan
Located in the village of Shinfield, L’Ortolan is another award winner. This one is situated in a grade II listed building for a truly sophisticated vegan dining experience.
Other LNER cities
Newcastle upon Tyne
Ranking eleventh, Newcastle upon Tyne offers a plethora of vegan restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can read more about these – as well as other environmentally-friendly local highlights – in our Green Guide to Newcastle.
Leeds
Placing fourteenth, Leeds is an emerging hub for all things vegan. If you’re planning a visit then take a look at the Leeds List for places to eat, and the Leeds Vegetarian and Vegan Society information page for meetups and local community activities.
Middlesbrough
Ranking eighteenth, Middlesbrough has a lively vegan scene – check out the We Are Middlesbrough website and Middlesbrough Vegan Facebook group to delve deeper.