Finding a decent vegan meal at a pub can be hit or miss. Some places surprise you with a separate plant-based menu, while others barely go beyond a bowl of chips.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy pub dinner or just a spot for a few drinks without feeling left out, here’s a rundown of the best and worst pub chains for vegans in the UK.
This isn’t just our opinion though! We looked through every Reddit relevant Reddit thread to gather opinions from real vegans about where they like to eat and where they recommend you avoid.
The 5 Best Pub Chains for Vegans
Here are the pub chains that don’t make vegans feel like an afterthought…
1. Wetherspoon’s
Wetherspoon’s, or “Spoons,” is a staple in the British pub scene, known for its affordability and extensive locations. It’s also a surprisingly decent choice for vegans, offering a range of options from Beyond Meat burgers to pizza and curries.
Menu Highlights:
- Quorn Nuggets Wrap – includes tomato, cucumber and spicy salsa.
- Curries – there are several to choose from. Quorn katsu curry, Mangalorean roasted cauliflower & spinach curry and sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry.
- Vegan Beyond Meat burgers
- Five-Bean Chilli – beans and vegetables in a spicy sauce, served with basmati rice and tortilla chips.
- Vegan breakfast – Two vegan sausages, baked beans, two hash browns, mushroom, tomato, a slice of toast, vegan spread.
Reviews frequently praise the range of options but note that quality can vary by location. The consistency of the vegan offerings keeps customers coming back, but don’t expect gourmet dining. Vegans appreciate the straightforward menu labelling and budget-friendliness of Wetherspoon’s.
They occasionally introduce limited-time vegan specials, such as festive vegan pies during Christmas. These are well-received and add variety to the menu during the holidays.
With hundreds of locations across the UK, you can find a Wetherspoon’s in most towns and cities, making it a convenient option wherever you are.
The pubs in larger cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh tend to have a broader selection of vegan options compared to smaller town locations.
Wetherspoon’s offers a variety of vegan-friendly drinks, including certain cask ales, wines, and spirits. They also provide plant-based milk for coffee and tea, making it easy to enjoy a full vegan-friendly meal.
2. Greene King
Greene King is another classic British pub chain that has put in effort to appeal to vegans. Their plant-based options range from comfort food like pies to more adventurous dishes like jackfruit curries.
Menu Highlights:
- Vegan Sausage & Mash: A classic dish with rich vegan gravy.
- Jackfruit Burger: A spicy, pulled-jackfruit patty served in a soft bun.
- Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry: Mild yet flavourful, served with rice and naan.
- Vegan fish (made from Omnifood fillet) and chips
- Vegan Chocolate Tart: Rich and indulgent, a must-try for dessert lovers.
Greene King pubs often receive praise for their cosy atmosphere and reliable service. Reviews note that while the vegan menu isn’t vast, the quality is consistent, making it a go-to for a hearty, satisfying meal. Some diners appreciate that the vegan dishes are filling, especially after a long walk or hike.
Greene King is known to feature special vegan dishes during the winter months, such as a plant-based Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, making it a great choice for a festive meal.
With locations spread across the UK, Greene King pubs are a solid option whether you’re in a city centre or a rural village.
Their pubs in Scotland often have a few unique vegan options tailored to local tastes, such as a vegan haggis dish, which adds a bit of regional flair.
Greene King offers a range of vegan-friendly ales and lagers. While not all of their house brews are vegan, many of their guest beers are, making it a good choice if you like to try different drinks with your meal.
3. Loungers (Cosy Club & Lounge Bars)
Loungers, which includes the brands Cosy Club, Lounge Cafe Bars, and Brightside Roadside Dining is known for offering a varied menu that doesn’t skimp on vegan choices. Their options range from tapas and burgers to a full vegan breakfast, all served in a stylish setting.
Menu Highlights:
- Vegan Breakfast: Includes sausages, hash browns, baked beans, and avocado.
- Sweetcorn Fritters: Served with a zesty salsa.
- Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Burger: A crunchy, flavour-packed burger with a side of fries.
- Vegan Chocolate & Orange Torte: A rich and zesty dessert that pairs well with a coffee.
Customers love the creativity of Loungers’ vegan dishes. The quirky, inviting interiors make it a great place to unwind. Reviews consistently highlight the fresh flavours, generous portions, and accommodating staff willing to customise dishes.
They are known for rotating seasonal specials, like vegan tapas boards and festive vegan roasts during the winter. These seasonal updates keep the menu interesting for regulars.
Loungers pubs are found in larger towns and cities, making them a popular choice for urban vegans seeking a more refined pub meal.
Locations in cities like Bristol and Cardiff are known for offering slightly more varied vegan options, reflecting the local demand for plant-based dining.
As for drinks, Loungers offer a wide range of vegan-friendly cocktails and spirits, and plant-based milk alternatives for their coffee drinks, making it a versatile choice for brunch or dinner.
4. BrewDog Bar
Known for its craft beer, BrewDog also offers a strong vegan menu. They’ve put genuine effort into ensuring that their vegan offerings are just as exciting as their drinks.
They offer a menu where about 50% is plant-based in their bars. This includes dishes like the Beyond Meat Burger, as well as other options featuring Redefine Meat™ patties and Tindle™ plant-based chicken.
BrewDog’s commitment to plant-based dining is also highlighted through their fully vegan bar in Dalston, London and a 2-for-1 deal on vegan and vegetarian mains every Monday.
Menu Highlights:
- Temple of Seitan Chick’n Wings
- The Plant Stack: onion rings, buffalo cauliflower, spicy cleaver smashed cucumbers, fries, crispy hasselback potatoes, Carolina mustard BBQ & vegan mayo
- Vegan Spicy Meaty Pizza: Temple of Seitan Strips, wild mushrooms, chilli flakes, fresh red chilli, smashed Napoli tomatoes & vegan mozzarella.
- Plant-powered Patriot Burger: a Redefine Meat™ patty, plant-based streaky bacon, cheddar, pickles, onion, baby gem & BBQ sauce
- Biscoff Cheesecake: with rich Belgian chocolate sauce.
BrewDog is known for its edgy, casual vibe, making it a great spot for a night out. Reviews highlight the great beer selection and praise the flavourful vegan dishes, though some note that it can get crowded on weekends.
BrewDog often releases seasonal vegan dishes, such as spicy vegan chilli or special burger variations during Oktoberfest. They keep things fresh with frequent updates to their menu.
BrewDog has locations across the UK, particularly in larger cities, making it a convenient option for urban pub-goers.
Their Edinburgh and Glasgow locations are particularly popular, with a slightly larger menu and special vegan events.
BrewDog is a top pick for vegans who love beer. Most of their brews are vegan, and they also carry vegan-friendly wines and spirits.
5. All Bar One
All Bar One offers a modern pub experience with a diverse menu that includes several vegan options. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a meal and drinks in a trendy setting.
Menu Highlights:
- Vegan Breakfast: scrambled tofu with spinach, vegan sausages, tomato and chickpea stew, roasted mushroom, avocado and beetroot hash.
- Chilli ‘Non’ Carne Tacos: these feature avocado, vegan chilli, and a crunchy nacho topping, making them a great option for a lighter bite
- Supergreen Noodle Laksa: a comforting bowl of rice noodles in a spiced coconut sauce, served with pak choi, spinach, and other greens.
- Biscoff Cheesecake: served with banana and toffee sauce.
Customers appreciate the stylish atmosphere and fresh menu items. Reviews highlight the well-seasoned dishes and friendly service, making it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner.
All Bar One tends to introduce seasonal vegan specials, such as festive winter bowls or summer salads, keeping their menu fresh throughout the year.
Their locations are typically in city centres, making them accessible to those in urban areas.
London locations often have additional vegan options due to higher demand, making them a top pick in the capital.
All Bar One offers a wide range of vegan cocktails, wines, and beers, making it a versatile spot for both dining and drinks.
The 3 Worst Pub Chains for Vegans
It’s only fair that we tell you where to avoid, if you want to eat well. These chains simply haven’t yet figured out how to cater to vegans effectively.
While they may have a few token plant-based options, the lack of variety and creativity can leave vegan diners feeling disappointed.
1. Toby Carvery
Known for its carveries, Toby Carvery isn’t exactly vegan-friendly. Their menu mainly focuses on traditional British roast dinners, which revolve around meat.
Their offerings usually include just one or two vegan mains, like a seasonal vegetable bake or a mushroom Wellington. Typical plant-based sides such as roast potatoes and vegetables, aren’t even guaranteed to be vegan due to cross-contamination or the use of butter in preparation.
Limited Options:
- Vegan Roast: Typically features a single main option like a vegetable bake.
- Vegan Gravy: A rare positive, but it’s not enough to make up for the lack of variety.
Reviews often point out the lack of creativity and variety, with vegans feeling like an afterthought. Some diners have had positive experiences with the staff being accommodating, but the overall impression is that the vegan options need improvement.
Toby Carvery may offer a vegan nut roast during the Christmas season, but choices remain sparse outside these special occasions.
Toby Carvery has many locations across the UK, making it easy to find. However, vegan diners may want to look elsewhere for more exciting options.
Most beers and wines are not clearly labelled as vegan-friendly, which can be frustrating for plant-based diners looking for suitable drinks.
2. Beefeater
Beefeater is a classic pub chain focused on grilled meats, which shows in their limited vegan menu. Their vegan burger is the main attraction, but beyond that, options are sparse.
Limited Options:
- Vegan Burger: A basic choice with minimal toppings.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Sometimes available as a starter.
- Side Salad: Basic and uninspiring.
Reviews highlight the lack of innovation and variety in the vegan options, with some diners feeling disappointed by the effort put into plant-based dishes. The vegan burger is passable, but many feel it lacks flavour.
Beefeater does not typically introduce seasonal vegan specials, which can make the menu feel repetitive for returning diners.
Locations are common near Premier Inns, making them easy to find when travelling. However, vegans may find more satisfying meals elsewhere.
Vegan drink options are limited, and staff are not always knowledgeable about which wines and beers are suitable for vegans.
3. Hungry Horse
Hungry Horse is a casual, family-friendly chain, but their vegan options leave a lot to be desired. You can expect a standard vegan burger and maybe a pasta dish, but the menu isn’t particularly creative.
Limited Options:
- Vegan Burger: Basic, with no frills.
- Pasta with Tomato Sauce: Bland and lacking in depth.
- Vegan Apple Crumble: A rare sweet treat, but often unavailable.
Reviews frequently mention that the vegan options are bland and uninspired. While it’s a convenient place for a quick meal, it doesn’t stand out as a top choice for plant-based diners.
Hungry Horse occasionally offers a vegan roast during the holiday season, but otherwise, their menu remains static.
Hungry Horse pubs are widely available, making them easy to find, but they might not be worth seeking out for vegan diners.
The drinks menu is extensive, but information on which drinks are vegan is often lacking, making it tricky for those on a plant-based diet.
Tips for Vegan Pub-Goers in the UK
Navigating the pub scene as a vegan in the UK is getting easier, but it still pays to be savvy. Here are some top tips to help you make the most of your pub adventures:
- Do your homework: Before you head out, why not use apps like Happy Cow or check out the pub’s website? It could save you from a disappointing night out.
- Don’t be shy: If you can’t see anything vegan on the menu, ask! Many pubs are happy to tweak dishes to make them vegan-friendly. You might be surprised at what they can whip up for you.
- Keep your eyes peeled for vegan labels: Lots of chains now clearly mark their vegan options. It makes life so much easier!
- Watch out for sneaky ingredients: Some beers and wines might not be vegan because of how they’re filtered. When in doubt, ask!
- Show some love to vegan-friendly pubs: If a pub’s gone out of its way to cater for vegans, show them some support! The more we vote with our wallets, the more vegan options we’ll see.
Use Barnivore – Vegan Alcohol Directory
Barnivore is a helpful online directory for those looking to ensure their drinks are vegan-friendly when pubs don’t mark them clearly.
It’s a comprehensive resource, listing thousands of wines, beers, and spirits, with clear information on which products are free from animal ingredients and those that aren’t.
Barnivore makes it easy to search by brand or type, making it a handy tool for vegans!
Can you actually believe there have been cases of whole chickens being included in beer? It’s based on “cock ale,” a historic English drink from the 17th-century that some modern craft breweries have experimented with recreating as a novelty.
Barnivore helps you avoid such unexpected animal-derived ingredients like that, as well as things like bladders of fish (isinglas), gelatin (collagen from animal bones, skins, and connective tissues), honey, albumin (egg whites) and casein (a milk protein).
The Future of Vegan Options in UK Pubs
Hold onto your plant-based hats, folks, because the future’s looking bright for vegans in UK pubs! The trend towards more vegan options shows no signs of slowing down. As more people jump on the plant-based bandwagon, we can expect to see pubs getting even more creative with their vegan offerings.
Some pub chains are already leading the charge, setting new standards for vegan pub grub. Others are playing catch-up, but the writing’s on the wall: vegan options are becoming as much a part of the British pub experience as a pint and a packet of crisps.
We might even see fully vegan pubs popping up. Imagine a place where you can enjoy all the cosy, social vibes of a traditional British pub, but where everything on the menu is 100% plant-based. Sounds pretty good, right?
The pub industry’s embrace of vegan options isn’t just good news for plant-based eaters. It’s a sign that pubs are moving with the times, adapting to what people want. As pubs continue to evolve, they’re making sure they’ll still be at the heart of British social life for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’ve been vegan for years or you’re just curious about trying some plant-based options, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a night down the pub. From creative new dishes to vegan versions of classic pub grub, there’s something for everyone.
The landscape of vegan pub food in the UK is varied. For a reliable meal, Wetherspoon’s, BrewDog, or Loungers are your best bets, offering flavourful options without breaking the bank. Greene King is another solid choice if you’re after a classic pub vibe with hearty vegan fare.
On the flip side, chains like Toby Carvery, Beefeater and Hungry Horse offer limited, uninspiring options that don’t quite match the variety and creativity of their competitors. While they can work in a pinch, you might find better vegan meals elsewhere.
Keep in mind that vegan options can differ between locations for each pub chain, so it’s a good idea to check their websites or call ahead before visiting.
Now it’s time to gather your mates and head to your local. Raise a glass to the growing world of vegan-friendly pubs in the UK. The vegan options in the UK are great, and they’re only getting better.
Cheers to that!
Jac has been vegan for 15 years – long enough to wonder if tofu owes her a loyalty card. Hailing from Scotland, she enjoys the breathtaking scenery and believes vegan haggis deserves more appreciation. A proud mum to a curious and energetic daughter, Jac spends her time hiking scenic trails, devouring books, practicing yoga, honing her badminton skills, and creating colourful artwork with her trusty colouring pens. She’s passionate about living a vibrant, compassionate, and cruelty-free life, all while championing the magic of tofu.
So thrilled to see Wetherspoon’s top the list! Their vegan breakfast is a lifesaver on early mornings. It’s fab to have accessible options. 🌱
Interesting analysis. I have found, though, that BrewDog’s vegan options tend to be more innovative compared to others. Their effort to incorporate plant-based items is commendable.
Greg, totally get where you’re coming from. BrewDog is great, but don’t you think All Bar One’s range deserves a shout too?
hey does anyone know if these chains do anything gluten-free and vegan? seems hard to find places that do both :/
While I appreciate the mention of Barnivore, it’s crucial to note that simply because a product is listed as vegan does not guarantee its environmental sustainability. There’s more to veganism than diet alone.
Really happy to see Loungers on the list. Their jackfruit curry is a game changer for me. Always a go-to!
All this vegan stuff at pubs is well and good, but you reckon they’re as good as the real thing? Can’t imagine giving up a proper Sunday roast.
Terry, taste is subjective, but many vegan alternatives offer incredible flavours. And it’s all about the seasoning! Wouldn’t hurt to try, you might be pleasantly surprised.
BrewDog Bar stepping up their game is great news. Love trying out their new recipes, gives me loads of inspiration for my kitchen!
It’s a bit disheartening to see Toby Carvery still lagging behind on vegan options. In this day and age, inclusivity in menu options is essential.
If Beefeater starts serving beyond meat, will they change their name to Beyondfeater? Asking for a friend 😂