The benefits of eating less meat and dairy are quite hard to ignore – and in fact, The Vegan Society suggests that if the entire world went vegan, it could save 8 million human lives by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by two-thirds and lead to healthcare-related savings and avoide climate damages of $1.5 trillion – wow! So it’s no wonder that more of us than ever are joining the #Veganuary challenge of going vegan for the whole of January to test out this fascinating way of life – and this year, some of the VK staff are joining in the fun too!
But you know us here- we’re certified foodies who couldn’t bear the thought of getting through cold and dreary January without some fantastic meals to tantalise our tastebuds. Lucky for us, Kent has some of the best spots for plant-based grub that we think will sway even the staunchest meat-eater! Keep reading for the best restaurants, cafés and special Veganuary treats that you won’t want to miss in your plant-powered month…
Balfour Winery were already going to be a go-to brand for us this Veganuary as all their wines, beers and ciders are completely vegan, but to celebrate Veganuary, Balfour Winery will be hosting a special vegan four-course dinner in their plush tasting room on Saturday 15th January! Each course will be accompanied by a pairing of either Balfour Wine or Jake's Drink as specially selected by their Head Winemaker. What a way to mark your Veganuary challenge and reflect on the good changes you’ve already made…
Enjoy retail therapy with a side of delicious dining at Ashford Designer Outlet. Stop off at any of their very vegan-friendly eateries including Wagamama’s, Pizza Express, Comptoir Libanis and Yo Sushi after your day hitting the shops. You'll be just in time to catch the January sales – and as your good deed is already ticked off by embarking on Veganuary, we think you deserve a retail treat or two!
From the Yard Bar's tempting cocktails and craft beers fresh from local brewery Boutilliers, to wood-fired pizza crafted by Il Pakkero and authentic tacos from California Cravings, trust us when we say you could spend the whole afternoon supping and sipping at Coachworks – and it shouldn’t be any different for our vegan friends! Coachworks is the perfect place to get your vegan food fix – in 2020, they played host to fully Vegan Markets too, so you know you’re in good hands here!
Folkestone is known for it’s modern creativity, so of course their Creative Quarter and trendy Folkestone Harbour Arm are one of our top places to head for some innovative vegan grub. Many of their outlets are fully vegetarian or vegan, like the tantalising Indian street food from Baba Ji, delicious vegan pizza at Barney and the Pizza or fully plant-based dining at Dr Legumes – where their Seitan Pastrami Reubens could rival any sandwich, ever, vegan or not (as is the opinion of this Visit Kent staffer!)
Sweet-toothed vegans, we'd never leave you without something rich and decadent to indulge in! Orchard Lane Coffee House on Sandgate Beach whip up some of the best vegan alternatives to our old favourites, like Vegan Mars Bars, Snickers, Bountys and Ferrero Rochers to devour, and also stock the famous Byggabo Swedish buns – all of which just happen to be fully vegan. Bringing along a friend who prefers savoury to sweet? Their delicious vegan sausage roll and vegan ‘cheeze and fake-on’ twist should sort them right out too!
We know we’ve been recommending a lot of great eateries for you to try this month, but sometimes there’s nothing better than rolling up your sleeves and being the chef in your own kitchen! Enter Macknade Fine Foods, providers of the best pantry essentials and best local fruit and veg perfect for your vegan creations. Head to their Faversham or Ashford branch to peruse the shelves for your ingredients and whizz up your own plant-powered platter at home...
Part of the joy of veganism is celebrating the magical meals you can get from solely fruit and vegetables that are never quite the star of the show on our plates. The Veg Box Café is here to change that by celebrating everything healthy and whole foods – from buddha bowls beaming with colour to healthy but hearty vegan pancakes, you’ll have no trouble getting your five-a-day at this fully planted-based spot.
Finally, veganism isn’t just a dietary preference – for many, its principles extend way beyond that of just food! That’s why everything at Unboxed Kent in Canterbury is fully vegan, from the products they sell to help you live a waste-free life, to cupboard and cleaning essentials and vegan drinks, and sweets. This is the perfect place to go for a gift for a vegan friend or family member, and their helpful and passionate staff are always ready to help guide you!
Heading out for some vegan grub in Kent during #Veganury, or a long-term plant-based eater with a list of must-try foods? Tag us on Instagram at @visitkent, or tweet us @visitkent to let us know your go-to spot!
