Best & Worst Places For Vegans To Live In The UK

Ever wondered if your area’s vegan scene is up to scratch?

Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a wild ride through the UK’s vegan hotspots – and not-so-hot spots.

From bustling cities with more vegan options than you can shake a carrot stick at, to towns where finding a decent veggie burger is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Let’s dive into the best and worst places for vegans to live in the UK!

5 Best Places for Vegans in the UK

Some places in the UK are a vegan dream come true, with plant-based options around every corner.

Let’s dive into the best spots for vegans to live their tastiest life!

1. London: The Vegan Capital

Hold onto your avocados, folks, because London is the undisputed champion of vegan living in the UK. This bustling metropolis is a plant-based paradise that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

From high-end restaurants to cosy cafes, London’s vegan scene is more diverse than a veggie patch in springtime.

There’s mouth-watering Purezza pizza in Camden, the UK’s first fully vegan pizzeria, or visit Mildreds, a London institution with several locations, serving up dishes like Sri Lankan sweet potato curry and tempeh mushroom yaki udon.

For fast food cravings, check out Temple of Seitan, known for its indulgent vegan fried chicken, or What the Pitta for a tasty vegan doner kebab. If you’re into innovative small plates, Naïfs in Peckham offers Middle Eastern-inspired creations like seitan roast and fried king oyster mushrooms.

And for a more unique experience, head to Cafe Van Gogh in Brixton, where you can enjoy delicious food in a cosy, artistic environment that supports social causes.

But it’s not just about the food. London’s sustainability game is on point, making it a haven for eco-conscious vegans. Plus, with an all-vegetarian Pret a Manger, you know you’re in good hands.

2. Glasgow: The Surprise Contender

Who would’ve thought that the land of deep-fried Mars bars would be a vegan hotspot? Glasgow’s plant-based scene is hotter than a haggis in a heatwave!

This Scottish gem boasts innovative vegan businesses that’ll knock your socks off. Fancy a dedicated vegan fast-food delivery service? Glasgow’s got you covered with Vegan Wheels. Craving some street food? The highly praised Planet G food truck will sort you out.

If you’re a vegan with a sweet tooth, Plant Blonde is a must-try! There’s a reason their empire biscuits are award-winning. Snap up a fudgy Biscoff brownie too! You won’t be disappointed.

Feeling like dining out? Glasgow has a wealth of fantastic vegan restaurants.

Mono Café Bar is a local institution, serving up inventive dishes alongside kombucha brewed on-site. Travis Barker (Blink 182) got the “best vegan burger” there!

Stereo, a sister venue to Mono, is well-known for its vegan comfort food and lively evening atmosphere with DJ sets and live bands.

For something cosy, head to The 78 for hearty comfort food and live music.

Hug & Pint offers a delicious vegan Asian fusion menu, with their ramen being a favourite. And for something unique, check out Ranjit’s Kitchen for a plant-based twist on authentic Punjabi cuisine.

Other standout venues include The Flying Duck, which offers fast-food-style vegan options and live music, and Suissi Vegan Kitchen, which specializes in vegan Asian cuisine, offering dishes like vegan rendang and Pad Thai.

With its vibrant vegan community and ever-expanding options, Glasgow proves that you can have your (vegan) cake and eat it too!

3. Brighton: The Seaside Vegan Haven

Brighton isn’t just about pebble beaches and quirky shops. This seaside town is a vegan’s dream come true, with more plant-based options than you can shake a stick of vegan cheese at.

From local cafés to seaside restaurants, Brighton’s vegan scene is as colourful as its famous beach huts.

You can start your day with a vegan breakfast at Smorl’s Kitchen, where they serve up hummus and falafel delights at the Open Market. For lunch, why not grab a slice at Purezza or dive into some vegan sushi burritos at Happy Maki?

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, Beelzebab at The Hope & Ruin pub offers up vegan junk food like loaded fries and seitan doner kebabs.

And for a fancy dinner, Terre à Terre has been a staple of Brighton’s plant-based scene for over 30 years, serving creative and beautifully presented vegan dishes.

With its laid-back vibe and progressive attitude, Brighton is the perfect spot for vegans who want their ethics served with a side of sea breeze.

4. Edinburgh: The Historic Vegan Hub

Who says you can’t teach an old city new tricks? Edinburgh might be steeped in history, but its vegan scene is as fresh as a just-picked Scottish strawberry.

This city is a treasure trove of vegan delights. Fancy some vegan haggis? You’ll find it at Henderson’s, a long-standing spot serving a variety of plant-based dishes, including their famous vegan haggis.

Craving a full vegan breakfast? Head to Seeds for the Soul, where you can enjoy a hearty plant-based fry-up or indulgent pancakes.

For something more unique, Holy Cow offers vegan burgers like their signature Smoked Tofu and Mango Chutney Burger, while Novapizza serves up fully vegan Italian classics like creamy carbonara and delicious pizzas.

If you’re in the mood for a laid-back vibe, try Black Rabbit for breakfast rolls, sandwiches, and their famous cruffins.

With its stunning architecture and progressive food scene, Edinburgh proves that you can have your vegan cake and eat it in a castle too!

5. Manchester: The Northern Vegan Powerhouse

Manchester isn’t just about football and Oasis. This northern powerhouse is quickly becoming a vegan force to be reckoned with.

From trendy plant-based eateries in the Northern Quarter to vegan options popping up in traditional pubs, Manchester’s vegan scene is as diverse as its music history.

You can grab a vegan doner kebab at What The Pitta, indulge in creative plant-based pizzas at Purezza, or try some American-style comfort food at Herbivorous – think vegan cheesesteaks and mac & cheese.

For something a little more refined, The Allotment offers vegan fine dining with its seasonal tasting menus.

If you’re craving dumplings with a twist, check out Desert Island Dumplings in Afflecks for quirky fillings like “cheezeburger” or “all-day breakfast” dumplings.

And for a more casual meal, Bundobust serves up delicious vegan Indian street food, like their famous bhel puri and spicy chole saag, perfect for sharing with friends over craft beers.

With its youthful energy and innovative food scene, Manchester is proof that the north can do vegan just as well as anyone else. Take that, London!

5 Worst Places for Vegans in the UK

Not everywhere in the UK is a plant-based paradise. Some spots are still clinging to their meaty, dairy-heavy roots like it’s the 1970s.

Let’s take a look at the places where being vegan feels like an uphill battle.

1. Rural Scotland

The Scottish Highlands may be breathtaking, but for vegans, the dining options can be a bit bleak.

In remote areas like Fort William, Isle of Skye, and Aviemore, traditional fare like haggis, meat-heavy stews, and seafood dominate menus. Finding a dedicated vegan meal might feel like scaling Ben Nevis without a map.

Even popular tourist spots like Inverness often offer limited plant-based options outside the occasional veggie burger or basic salad.

While there are some hidden gems, like the Blaeberry House Vegan B&B in Inverness, which caters specifically to vegan travellers​, the general availability of vegan dining remains challenging in rural parts of Scotland.

Unless you’re a fan of chips and salad as your main course, it’s best to plan ahead and maybe pack a few snacks!

2. Small Towns in the Midlands

While the UK’s big cities are embracing the vegan revolution, some small towns in the Midlands are still stuck in the meat-and-two-veg era.

In places like Tamworth, Nuneaton, and Kettering, asking for a vegan option might get you a blank stare or a plate of unseasoned vegetables.

While a few cafés and chain restaurants are beginning to cater to vegans, the overall scene is still sparse. Your best bet might be the accidentally vegan options at the local chippy – chips, anyone? Again?

3. Coastal Towns (Outside of Brighton)

You’d think being near the sea would mean plenty of plant-based options, right? Wrong! Many UK coastal towns are still caught in the net of traditional fish and chips.

In towns like Scarborough, Great Yarmouth, and Southend-on-Sea, the vegan dining scene is often limited.

While you might find the odd vegan ice cream or veggie burger, many restaurants still heavily focus on seafood. Your dining options could be reduced to plain salads and chips, leaving you feeling like a fish out of water!

That said, some places are slowly improving, with a few independent cafés and pubs starting to add vegan alternatives to their menus. There are some promising signs of change, with newer venues such as Cluck & Moo in Southend-on-Sea offering dedicated plant-based alternatives.

But overall, vegan options are still far from the norm in many coastal towns.

4. Traditional Market Towns

Quaint market towns might be great for a day out, but they can be a vegan’s nightmare. These places often pride themselves on their local meat and dairy products, leaving vegans out in the cold.

In towns like Melton Mowbray, known for its pork pies, and Ludlow, famous for its food festivals celebrating meat and dairy, vegans may struggle to find substantial options.

You might find yourself having to explain what veganism is more times than you can count, and end up nibbling on a sad-looking side salad while your friends tuck into hearty pub grub.

That said, a few market towns are starting to get on board with the plant-based movement, with independent cafés offering vegan cakes or plant milks for coffee, but it’s still a challenge compared to larger cities.

5. Some Parts of Wales

While Wales is undeniably beautiful, some areas can be challenging for vegans. Traditional Welsh cuisine heavily features lamb and cheese, and in more rural spots like Snowdonia or Brecon Beacons, plant-based options can be as rare as a dragon sighting.

In remote towns such as Llanrwst or Llandeilo, finding dedicated vegan options in local eateries can be tricky, with menus often dominated by meat-heavy dishes.

You might find yourself having to survive on Welsh cakes (hold the butter) and admiring the lush green valleys on an empty stomach.

Beautiful, but not exactly satisfying!

However, larger Welsh cities like Cardiff and Swansea are starting to embrace the vegan movement, with a growing number of vegan restaurants and cafés.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour through the highs and lows of vegan living across the UK.

Whether you’re lucky enough to be in a plant-based paradise or navigating the wilderness of meat-and-two-veg towns, one thing’s for sure: the vegan scene is growing, and it’s only getting better.

Remember, the vegan scene is constantly evolving, so don’t lose hope if your town isn’t a plant-based paradise yet. Keep pushing for more options, and who knows? Your local chippy might be serving up jackfruit or banana blossom “fish” and chips before you know it!

So, whether you’re sipping oat lattes in a vibrant vegan hotspot or just making do with chips for now, remember: being vegan isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Stay patient, keep advocating for change, and soon, even the smallest towns will catch up.

Is your hometown a good place for vegans? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to know whether to visit – nor not!