The UK’s vegan scene has exploded in recent years, with more people than ever embracing plant-based diets. Chain restaurants have taken notice, expanding their menus to cater to this growing demographic.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption, these top 10 vegan-friendly chain restaurants in the UK offer delicious and accessible plant-based options.
1. Wagamama: Japanese & Asian Fusion
Wagamama has become a haven for vegans across the UK. With an extensive plant-based menu, this popular Asian-inspired chain has embraced the vegan movement wholeheartedly.
Their commitment to vegan cuisine is impressive, with a whopping 50% of their menu being either vegan or easily adaptable. This dedication has won them a loyal following among plant-based eaters.
One of the standout dishes is their vegan ribs. These mouth-watering, meat-free delights are a testament to Wagamama’s culinary creativity. Made from mushroom and soya protein, they’re slathered in a sticky hoisin sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers.
But the vegan options don’t stop there. From aromatic ramens to zesty salads, Wagamama offers a diverse range of flavours to satisfy any craving. Their yasai gyoza and bang bang cauliflower are particular favourites among regulars.
The chain’s commitment to clear labelling makes it easy for vegans to navigate the menu with confidence. With such a wide selection of tasty plant-based dishes, Wagamama has firmly established itself as a top choice for vegan dining in the UK.
2. Burger King: American Fast Food
Who says fast food can’t be vegan-friendly? Burger King has stepped up to the plate, offering a range of plant-based options that rival their meaty counterparts.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Vegan Royale. This crispy, “chicken-style” patty is made from soy and plant proteins, topped with iceberg lettuce and vegan mayo. It’s a game-changer for those craving a fast-food fix without the guilt.
But Burger King didn’t stop there. They’ve also introduced a plant-based Whopper, vegan nuggets, and even plant-based bacon and cheese.
However, vegans should be aware that at Burger King, plant-based doesn’t necessarily mean vegan. The Plant-Based Whopper is cooked on the same grill as meat. So while it’s great for meat reducers, vegans will likely want to avoid it.
What’s particularly appealing about Burger King’s vegan offerings is their accessibility and affordability. With their app, you can often snag deals like two vegan meals for £10, making it a budget-friendly option for plant-based eaters.
The convenience of grabbing a vegan meal at a drive-thru or in virtually any UK town centre has made Burger King a go-to for many vegans on the go. It’s a shining example of how traditional fast-food chains can adapt to changing dietary preferences without compromising on taste or value.
3. Pizza Express: Italian
Pizza Express has long been a favourite for Italian cuisine lovers, and now vegans can join in the fun too. This popular chain has embraced plant-based dining with open arms, offering a range of vegan pizzas and other Italian delights.
Their vegan pizzas are a triumph of flavour and texture. Using a variety of plant-based toppings and vegan mozzarella, they’ve created pizzas that are every bit as satisfying as their traditional counterparts. The Vegan Giardiniera, topped with artichokes, mushrooms, red onion, and black olives, is a particular standout.
But the vegan options at Pizza Express go beyond just pizza. They’ve recently added vegan doughballs to their menu, much to the delight of plant-based diners. These little balls of joy come with a pot of pestorissa dip, offering a perfect start to any meal.
Pizza Express has taken customer service to the next level by allowing diners to bring their own vegan cheese. If you have a favourite brand that’s not on their menu, you can bring an unopened package, and they’ll happily use it on your pizza.
With clearly labelled vegan options and staff trained to handle dietary requirements, Pizza Express has become a reliable choice for vegans looking for a tasty Italian meal out.
4. Pho: Vietnamese
Pho, the UK’s popular Vietnamese street food chain, has emerged as a surprising hero for vegan diners. With an extensive range of plant-based options, it’s become a go-to spot for those seeking healthy, flavourful vegan fare. In fact, almost half of the menu is vegan!
The star of the show is, of course, their vegan pho. This aromatic noodle soup comes with various tofu and vegetable options, all swimming in a fragrant broth that’s 100% vegan. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
But Pho’s vegan offerings extend far beyond their namesake dish. From crispy spring rolls to vibrant salads and hearty rice bowls, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Their menu is clearly labelled, making it easy for vegans to navigate.
What sets Pho apart is their commitment to health-conscious dining. Many of their vegan dishes are not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. It’s an excellent option for vegans looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavour.
The authenticity of Pho’s vegan Vietnamese dishes is also worth noting. They’ve managed to capture the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine while adapting it for plant-based diets. It’s a testament to the versatility and richness of Vietnamese cooking.
5. Greggs: British Bakery
Greggs, the beloved British bakery chain, has become an unexpected champion of vegan fast food. Their journey into plant-based offerings started with the now-famous vegan sausage roll, which took the UK by storm.
The vegan sausage roll was just the beginning. Greggs has since expanded its vegan range to include a variety of pastries and sandwiches. From the vegan steak bake to the vegan ham and cheeze baguette, they’ve veganised many of their classic offerings.
What makes Greggs stand out is its commitment to making vegan food accessible and affordable. Their plant-based options are priced similarly to their meat counterparts, making it easy for anyone to choose vegan without breaking the bank.
The convenience factor can’t be overstated. With Greggs shops found on virtually every high street in the UK, grabbing a quick vegan snack or meal has never been easier. It’s been a game-changer for vegans who previously struggled to find on-the-go options.
Greggs also keeps things interesting with seasonal vegan offerings. Their vegan festive bake has become a festive favourite, proving that plant-based eating can be indulgent and celebratory too.
6. Nando’s: Portuguese-African
Nando’s, the South African chain famous for its peri-peri chicken, has stepped up its game for vegan diners. They’ve introduced a range of plant-based options that bring the same bold, spicy flavours to vegan plates.
The star of Nando’s vegan menu is undoubtedly the Great Imitator. This plant-based chicken alternative is made from pea protein and is available in various peri-peri spice levels. It’s a convincing substitute that satisfies the craving for that signature Nando’s flavour.
But the vegan options don’t stop there. Nando’s also offers a hearty veggie burger that can be easily veganised by omitting the mayonnaise. Pair it with their vegan-friendly PERi-PERi chips, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
What’s particularly impressive about Nando’s approach is how they’ve made it easy to veganise many of their sides and salads. From the spicy mixed olives to the house salad (without the dressing), there are plenty of options to build a varied, flavourful vegan meal.
Nando’s commitment to expanding their vegan range shows that even restaurants known for their meat dishes can successfully cater to plant-based diets. It’s a win for vegans who want to enjoy a meal out with friends without feeling limited in their choices.
7. Yo! Sushi: Japanese
Yo! Sushi has embraced the vegan movement with open arms, offering a wide variety of plant-based Japanese-inspired dishes. This popular chain has proven that sushi and other Japanese favourites can be just as delicious without fish or other animal products.
Their vegan sushi options are diverse and creative. From avocado maki to inari nigiri, there’s no shortage of plant-based rolls to choose from. But Yo! Sushi’s vegan menu extends far beyond just sushi.
Hot dishes like the yasai gyoza (vegetable dumplings) and the pumpkin katsu curry have become favourites among vegan diners. These dishes showcase how traditional Japanese flavours can be expertly applied to plant-based ingredients.
One of the best things about Yo! Sushi for vegans is the clear labelling on their menu and conveyor belt. Vegan options are marked with a green ‘Ve’ symbol, making it easy to identify suitable dishes at a glance.
The affordability of Yo! Sushi’s vegan options is also worth noting. Many of their plant-based dishes are priced similarly to, or even lower than, their non-vegan counterparts. This makes it an accessible option for vegans looking for a Japanese food fix without breaking the bank.
8. Zizzi: Italian
Zizzi has made significant strides in catering to vegan diners, offering a dedicated vegan menu that goes beyond the typical token veggie option. This popular Italian chain has embraced plant-based eating with creativity and flair.
Their vegan pizzas are a particular highlight. Using a variety of innovative toppings and vegan mozzarella, Zizzi has created pizzas that are every bit as satisfying as their traditional offerings. The Vegan Rustica Margherita, with its sun-dried tomatoes and vegan cheese, is a fan favourite.
But Zizzi’s vegan options extend far beyond pizza. Their lentil ragu is a hearty, flavourful alternative to traditional Bolognese, served over spaghetti or in their vegan lasagne. It’s comfort food at its finest, without any animal products.
Dessert lovers aren’t left out either. Zizzi offers a range of vegan sweet treats, including a decadent chocolate and praline torte. It’s the perfect way to round off a plant-based Italian feast.
What sets Zizzi apart is their commitment to making vegan dining a seamless experience. Their separate vegan menu makes ordering easy, and staff are well-trained in handling dietary requirements. It’s this attention to detail that has made Zizzi a go-to spot for vegans craving Italian cuisine.
9. Leon: Natural Fast Food
Leon has carved out a niche in the UK fast food scene by offering healthier, more nutritious options – and their vegan menu is no exception. This chain has embraced plant-based eating with enthusiasm, offering a wide range of vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Their vegan menu is diverse and flavourful. From the vegan jack wings (made with jackfruit) to the love burger (featuring a beetroot soya patty), Leon proves that fast food can be both vegan and delicious.
Breakfast options are particularly impressive at Leon. Their vegan full English breakfast, complete with scrambled tofu and vegan sausage, is a hearty start to the day. For those on the go, the vegan bakery items like the raspberry and almond muffin are perfect grab-and-go options.
What sets Leon apart is their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many of their vegan ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible. This commitment to quality shines through in the taste of their food.
Leon’s approach to vegan fast food is refreshing. They’ve managed to create a menu that’s not only plant-based but also nutritious and satisfying. It’s fast food that you can feel good about eating.
10. Wetherspoons: British Pub
Wetherspoons, the ubiquitous British pub chain, has made significant strides in catering to vegan diners. They’ve introduced a range of plant-based options that bring the comfort of pub grub to vegan plates.
Their vegan options cover all the bases of classic pub fare. The Beyond Meat burger is a standout, offering a convincing plant-based alternative to their traditional beef burgers. Paired with chips and a pint, it’s the quintessential pub experience, made vegan.
But Wetherspoons doesn’t stop at burgers. Their vegan curry, featuring butternut squash and chickpeas, is a flavourful option for those seeking something different. They also offer a vegan breakfast, complete with hash browns, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
What makes Wetherspoons particularly appealing for vegan diners is its affordability and accessibility. With locations in nearly every town across the UK, it’s a reliable option for plant-based eating, no matter where you find yourself.
The chain has also made efforts to cater to vegan drinkers. Many of their beers and ciders are vegan-friendly, and they clearly label these options on their drinks menu. It’s this attention to detail that has made Wetherspoons a surprisingly accommodating choice for vegan pub-goers.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the UK’s chain restaurants have made remarkable progress in catering to vegan diners. From Asian-inspired cuisine at Wagamama to pub classics at Wetherspoons, there’s now a wealth of options for plant-based eating across the country.
These chains have shown that vegan food can be delicious, diverse, and accessible, making it easier than ever for people to embrace plant-based dining. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption, these vegan-friendly chain restaurants offer something for everyone.
The future of vegan dining in the UK looks bright indeed.