...What do vegans even eat?

Potatoes? Beans with a side of beans? Raw kale from a hessian sack?

Anyone who has even so much as flirted with a plant-based diet knows that the above couldn't be further from the truth. When the term 'veganism' was first coined back in the 1940's, then there probably was quite a lot of self-righteous carrot-munching going on. As you can probably guess, it wasn't exactly easy to be vegan in the 40's - the 1944 edition of The Vegan News published a list of cruelty-free products, which, along with fruits and vegetables, included Kiwi shoe polish and Colgate toothpaste. Yum!

But now, veganism is so widespread and widely accepted that if you can think of a food, there’s a vegan equivalent. Pizza? Yep. Burgers? Tick. Afternoon tea? You bet. …Even Scotch eggs? Yes sir, even those. (Sorry about that.)

Vegan junk food is easy to come by in the U.K., from New York imports to Camden Market staples. Don't worry, we're not dipping our toes in the 'is veganism healthy?' debate today (we like our toes, and wouldn't want to see anything happen to them...) It's just that with the advancement of cruelty-free meat and cheese substitutes, vegans are no strangers to some gut-busting indulgence. If anything, we tend to overcompensate. (Triple-stacked seitan cheeseburger topped with a hash brown, anyone?)

Even fast food establishments like Subway, Greggs and KFC are starting to see the benefits of introducing plant-based items to their menu ...and by benefits, we mean money. Lots of vegan money.

The colonel's eyes obviously have some very green dollar signs in them - or pound signs in this case - as KFC have taken a sharp left turn to release their very own vegan 'Impossible' burger at selected UK branches. The Impossible Burger is a Quorn fillet covered in the colonel's signature blend of herbs and spices, and is maybe so named because it's completely 'Impossible' to imagine a queue of hungry vegans falling over themselves to give money to an establishment not exactly famous for its empathetic attitude towards chickens. (But we're also not getting into the 'is it ethical to order the vegan option from KFC?' debate today. Again, our toes. We need them.)

…Yes, thank you, you can congratulate us on our stealth-like ability to talk about veganism whilst acrobatically dodging its hot-button debates later. Right now, we’ve got a list to make. 

Read on to find out the best vegan-friendly experiences in the U.K!

Looking for a fun day out to whet your plant-based whistle? (Gross, sorry.) Need a gift for a picky vegan friend? Want to expand your culinary repertoire? You'll find something fun and cruelty-free from our selection below. 

1. Vegan Food Tour for 2 - Shoreditch

From vegan fried chicken to meat-free tacos, London is fast becoming a vegan’s paradise, so it’s no surprise that a savvy team of plant-based guides decided to create not one, but two tours of our trendy capital city. Vegan Food Tours offer both a street food tour of Camden for those with bottomless stomachs, and a more eclectic, varied vegan food tour of Shoreditch, featuring a mixture of small plates, desserts and indulgent dishes. Whether you want to dive into some junk food classics whilst soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Camden, or sample a variety of plant-based offerings in Shoreditch, London Vegan Food Tours have you covered.

There’s no place quite like Shoreditch! Explore London’s artiest neighbourhood with this Shoreditch vegan food tour. During the 3 and a half delicious hours, you’ll explore the best vegan food Shoreditch has to offer, from raw vegan tapas, to street food and seasonal delicacies. Don’t let the word ‘tapas’ put you off – you’ll leave feeling very full! While you discover London’s finest vegan gastronomy, you’re likely to run into a few works of art along the way, painted by brilliant street artists who use the city as their canvas. This tour has the perfect balance of food and sightseeing, making it the ideal candidate for a day out. Prefer a more indulgent option? Read on to hear about the Camden tour...

2. Camden 150 Minute Vegan Food Tour

Embark on a delectable journey through Camden Town's thriving vegan food scene with this Vegan Food Tour! Guided by an expert, this immersive adventure intertwines local history, culture, and mouth-watering plant-based cuisine for an unforgettable experience tailored to dedicated vegan enthusiasts and those curious about the lifestyle.

Over a leisurely 2.5-hour stroll, dive into top-rated vegan cafes and restaurants, savouring an array of delectable dishes that define London's innovative vegan culinary landscape. From sumptuous burgers to heavenly desserts, each bite showcases the diverse and satisfying plant-based creations that epitomize Camden's culinary prowess. After the tour, immerse yourself in the world-famous Camden Market, a stone's throw from the tour's conclusion. Here, explore eclectic stalls, uncover one-of-a-kind gifts, or soak in the vibrant energy of this iconic London destination. The Vegan Food Tour is a thoughtful gift for those passionate about exceptional food, unique encounters, and sustainable living. 

3. Brigit B’s Bakery Covent Garden

Vegans shouldn’t have to miss out on the British tradition of afternoon tea, and luckily Brigit B’s Bakery is here to help. With plush, feminine interiors and smartly-dressed waitstaff, Brigit B’s doesn’t look like the sort of place you could typically get down on some quinoa. However, they’ve gone the extra mile to make the experience of afternoon tea accessible for all dietary requirements!

Their afternoon tea boasts three delectable tiers of vegan indulgence, including mini baguettes filled with a mozzarella alternative and pesto, quinoa and mint verrine, sumptuous lemon cake, and – of course – vegan scones! Vegans heading for a day out in London with carnivorous family members needn’t fret. Brigit B’s Bakery also serves traditional afternoon tea, and most dietary requirements are catered for, including gluten-free. If you fancy a tipple with your food (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) you can upgrade to a sophisticated Gin Afternoon Tea. After all, the only beverage more beloved by English people than tea is gin, right? 

Perfectly-crafted cakes and savoury offerings, great service and a central Covent Garden location make Brigit B’s the perfect place to rest your feet between sightseeing in the capital. 

4. Vegan South East Asian Cooking Class in Birmingham

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of South East Asian cuisine with this Culinary Experience Days Gift Voucher! Set in the heart of Birmingham, these immersive vegan cooking classes offer a choice between tantalising options like Asian, Indonesian, and Thai cuisines. The toughest decision? Deciding which delectable class to dive into! Over a three-hour session, participants learn the essence of each culinary tradition, mastering flavours, spices, knife techniques, and cooking methods. From Balinese spiced coconut to fiery sambal sauce with pan-fried Tempeh or a luscious jackfruit curry, the menu boasts an array of tempting dishes.

Dedicated instructors ensure a hands-on, engaging experience, providing invaluable tips and tricks throughout. Plus, take home a recipe folder to recreate these culinary delights for friends and family. Whether for a passionate foodie or a delightful group experience, a gift voucher for these Vegan South East Asian Cooking Lessons promises a flavourful adventure and unforgettable moments in the kitchen.

5. Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Brighton with The Kari Club

When it comes to authentic Indian cooking, Kari Club founder Minesh Agnihotri knows his stuff. Minesh learned how to cook as a child, taught by his mother, and carried this knowledge into adulthood. He founded one of Brighton's best loved Indian restaurants, Indian Summer.

Now, Minesh has turned his attention to teaching others through his meal-kit delivery service and practical classes, which he runs from his shop in Brighton. His encyclopaedic knowledge of his cuisine means that students can expect to learn a LOT of new things, from the origins of different Regional delicacies, to how to tell if the oil is hot enough by the behaviour of mustard seeds. Vegans certainly won’t be left out, as Minesh is happy to cater for all dietary requirements upon request. The genuine real life vegan writing this list can testify that Minesh’s class is a brilliant choice for meat-free customers, as a group of us recently took part in one of his classes. It was fantastic to see the amount of fresh vegetables used, and the way that the perfect alchemy of Indian spices can transform some grated sweet potato and carrot into the salad of dreams. Highlights include barbecuing a whole aubergine directly onto a gas hob, and attempting to roll Chapatti dough with a special rolling pin. (We can only thank Minesh for his patience, and apologise for our wonky Chapattis.) 

 Minesh says:

“So many different cultural beliefs in India make the cuisine diverse and interesting. Vegan recipes in some parts of India are a way of life, and so nutritious. The use of cashew nut, gram flour, and melon seeds are a common sight, and are packed full of flavour! It’s not trying to be something new, just natural, healthy ingredients that tantalise your tastebuds. Including vegans in my class is important as it showcases how flexible and diverse Indian food can be.”  

6. Vegan Cooking Class in London with Greenwich Pantry

Greenwich Pantry are a cookery school based in London, and they host this fantastic 2 hour vegan cookery class – ideal for those new to plant-based cooking, or for vegans looking to expand their horizons. During the workshop, you’ll learn all the techniques you’ll need to produce perfect vegan dishes at home. Vibrant, nutritious ingredients, expert techniques and knowledgeable chefs make this experience the perfect all-rounder for those interested in making vegan meals at home. 

7. Chocolate Workshop in Leeds 

Who’da thunk it? Chocolate seems like something that would never be available to vegans to make from scratch, and yet Chocolate Collective have pulled it out of the (decorative) bag! Provided with advance notice, they will happily cater to vegans – so nobody needs to be left out of the luxurious process of chocolate making. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, or want to create some delicious gifts for a vegan friend, Chocolate Collective have it covered. 

8. Full Day Wine Tasting with Lunch - Wine Unearthed

One of the sneakiest products that can be non-vegan is wine. You wouldn't think this delicious tipple would be unsuitable for vegans, but occasionally it is! It's so difficult to keep up with which wines are vegan-friendly, and reading the label isn't always sufficient research. With all that being said, you would think a wine-tasting experience would be a vegan no-go zone, right? Wrong! That’s where Wine Unearthed come in. This full day wine tasting and three-course lunch can cater for vegans with advance notice, so join in the fun, why don’t you? Sip and sample your way through a series of high quality wines, while you learn all about the different elements that make them unique. Get ready to swirl your glass like a proper sommelier, as you'll soon be detecting subtle tasting notes with the best of 'em! All that sampling is sure to work up an appetite, so this experience includes a gourmet 3-course lunch.

Adrian from Wine Unearthed says:

"We have noticed a marked rise in the number of our guests requesting a vegan option for lunch as part of our Wine Tasting Days. At Wine Unearthed, our venues will always offer a vegan option for guests. Whilst most wines these days are suitable for vegans, the frustrating thing is that not every bottle of wine provides you with this information. So far this year we have been contacted in advance on 2 separate occasions by vegan guests requesting that all the wines served during our days be vegan friendly. We are only too happy to oblige (and most of our wines already are) however to ensure that this is 100% the case requires cross checking to importers' websites, and sometimes directly back to the producer itself. The sooner there is a universal adoption of bottles clearly highlighting that they are suitable for vegans, the better."

9. Vegan Cookery Masterclass Hertfordshire

The Cooking Academy are based in Hertfordshire, and on this full day course with them, you'll be taught how to create delicious dishes that are 100% vegan! Over six hours, some of the creative recipes you'll be taught are Satay Crusted Tofu, Chinese Mushroom Pancakes, Aubergine and Chickpea Tagine, and Apple Pie Spring Rolls with Caramel Sauce. Whilst learning these recipes, you'll work with vegetarian proteins, nuts and soya products. Also included in this experience is a lunch prepared by the group, which includes a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink! Cooks of all abilities can take part in this Vegan Cookery Masterclass, in which they'll learn new skills, tips and tricks.

Thank you!

… Thank you for reading!

That concludes our 9 favourite vegan-friendly experience days. Whether you’re looking to explore London for vegan treats, hand-make your own plant-based chocolate, or expand your knowledge in the kitchen, we hope you’ve found something useful. If you're still looking, or just want to browse a wider selection, then check out our full range of vegan and vegetarian days out here.