Vegetarian and vegan diets are on the rise in the UK. With much more concern around eating clean thanks to a greater awareness of what we are putting into our bodies it is easy to see why a YouGov survey commissioned by the Eating Better Alliance in late 2013 identified that 17% of the young people questioned no longer ate any meat at all. Whilst becoming a vegetarian or a vegan may be an easy lifestyle choice to make for many, when it comes to eating out things are not always so simple. Limited menu choices and repetitive and uninspiring dishes mean that dining outside of the home may lack the fun and excitement that it should. However, times are a’changing and many more bistros, cafes and restaurants are opening their doors to the vegetarian and vegan community by adapting their menus and cooking methods. In this blog we are pleased to share with you some of the best places to eat for vegetarians and vegans in Essex.
The Den at 23
Colchester, CO3 3EN
The first and only establishment in Colchester that is completely vegan-friendly, The Den opened in March 2015. The mission of the husband and wife team that own it is to smash the preconceptions that surround veganism by providing regular food with a vegan twist.
Their delicious menu includes breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and more, proving that vegans do not survive purely on falafel and lentils! Homemade cupcakes make a great accompaniment to the range of vegan-friendly hot drinks that include coffees made with Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans. Even their squirty cream is soya and drinks can be topped with vegan-friendly marshmallows!
With a light and airy premises located on Crouch Street, The Den is a great place to eat for vegetarians and vegans alike.
For more information View Listing or Visit Website
The Oak Tree Market
Leigh on Sea, SS9 1JN
Recently refurbished to a high standard, this vegetarian restaurant is a fully licensed venue that even offers vegan-friendly wine! Their extensive menu of vegan and veggie food begins at breakfast and ends with sumptuous dinner dishes including burgers, lasagne and curries. A broad variety of cold lunches including ciabattas, salads and sandwiches are also popular.
The Oak Tree Market also offers a takeaway service for lunchtime with local deliveries made free of charge, ideal if you are catering for a corporate meeting or simply lunching with friends in your own home.
With live music on Thursday evenings and a showcase of international vegetarian and vegan dishes on a Saturday night, it is easy to see why The Oak Tree Market is a fantastic venue for eating out – whether you are vegetarian or not!
For more information View Listing or Visit Website
Saravanaa Bhavan
Ilford, IG1 4PU
Saravanaa Bhavan is one of a expanding global chain of Indian restaurants. Their aim is to provide high quality vegetarian Indian cuisine without compromising on taste. They certainly achieve this aim, providing a menu teeming with delicious veggie-friendly food including side dishes such as chilli babycorn and cauliflower manchurian all prepared with the freshest ingredients.
This modern vegetarian restaurant can seat 250 covers making it ideal for large gatherings and social events. Friendly staff and a relaxed yet professional atmosphere make Saravanaa Bhavan the ideal choice for anyone looking for a vegetarian Indian meal.
For more information View Listing or Visit Website
Dedham Art & Craft Centre Tearoom
Dedham, CO7 6AD
Based within a converted church, these delightful tearooms offer a blend of contemporary and historic charm. Committed to providing wholly vegetarian food, they offer freshly prepared lunches including sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes and homemade quiches. Alternatively simply enjoy a slice of one of their beautifully baked cakes with a cup of tea. Guests can also now enjoy one of their newly offered afternoon teas or picnic baskets to take away. Please be aware that booking in advance is compulsory for these.
Also within the building are three floors of specialist retailers and artwork displays, allowing you to experience some creative culture during your visit. If you are looking for a vegetarian-friendly place to eat in a peaceful and inspiring setting then look no further than the Dedham Art & Craft Centre Tearoom.
For more information View Listing or Visit Website
The Waiting Room
Colchester, CO1 2PH
Although not a strictly vegetarian or vegan only venue, the Waiting Room is a venue that offers functions and events that are considered alternative to mainstream tastes. Part of their repertoire includes regularly scheduled vegan food evenings, which have been created in response to their growing vegan community.
Catered for by the V Catering Co, a fresh new gourmet catering company, these evenings offer innovative vegan dishes in a friendly atmosphere filled with like-minded individuals. Their next vegan event “Vegan Noodle Night” will be on the 28th August, so get down there!
For more information on The Waiting Room View Listing or Visit Website
For more information on the V Catering Co, hit them up on Twitter @vcateringco or on their Facebook Page by clicking here!
The Railway Hotel
Southend on Sea, SS1 1AJ
Renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, live music and vegetarian and vegan food, this establishment is an ideal venue to visit for a v-friendly meal! Offering everything from a full vegan breakfast for only £7.50 including tea, coffee or orange juice, to a variety of dinner dishes and desserts, every item on the menu is vegetarian friendly, and most are suitable for vegans too.
A newly created beer garden and a plethora of regular events make The Railway Hotel the perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans to eat, meet and relax with friends and family.
For more information View Listing or Visit Website