Taking part in Veganuary this year? Hop on the National Cycle Network and walk, wheel or cycle your way to these vegan-friendly eateries and support your local businesses.
Down the Hatch is right along National Route 56 and serves top notch vegan grub
The conversation surrounding the benefits of a plant-based diet is everywhere.
Meat Free Mondays, World Vegan Month and Veganuary have undoubtedly helped to elevate this lifestyle choice, with vegan options now appearing in mainstream supermarkets and restaurants.
To celebrate this month and the diversity of plant-based meals, we've rounded up some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants on the National Cycle Network.
1. Down the Hatch - National Route 56 in Liverpool
You’ll find Down the Hatch along National Route 56 in Ropewalks – the creative bohemian heart of Liverpool.
From the depths of ‘Seitan’s Basement’ comes an array of mouth-watering vegan junk food, including beer-battered, plant-based fish and chips made from banana blossom.
There’s a fantastic collection of vegan sauces to choose from and you can even get yourself a jar of your favourite to take away.
Take your own container when stopping by and you’ll save yourself some cash with their discounted offer.
2. Loving Hut - The Marriott's Way in Norwich
Close by the Marriott’s Way sits Loving Hut – a family-run business which offers buffet-style, vegan Chinese food.
The eatery, based in the heart of Norwich, offers both dine in and take away options.
A short distance from National Route 1, any stop here is sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping you on course for your Veganuary goal.
3. Herbivorous – National Route 627 in Sheffield
Herbivorous has taken the north of England by storm with three different locations.
Their Sheffield restaurant is nestled inside Kommune, a food hall home to a number of independent kitchens.
Herbivorous prides itself on serving up modern vegan comfort food, ‘that’s better for you and better for the planet.’
Grab yourself some tasty vegan food at Oowee Vegan - right along Route 4
4. Oowee Vegan - National Route 4 in Bristol
Located right along National Route 4, award-winning restaurant Oowee Vegan offers a vegan experience like no other.
Oowee creates a variety of scrumptious plant-based takes on all of your fast food diner favourites. Their plant-based offerings were awarded the 'Best Vegan offering in Britain', as well as 'Restaurant of the Year' in last year's national Deliveroo awards.
Whether you fancy a vegan fried chicken, dirty fries, or loaded quarter pounder, washed down with a vegan milkshake – Oowee is the place to be.
5. Fed by Plants – National Route 4 in London
Route 4, which snakes through the city alongside the River Thames leads you to the doors of Fed by Plants.
This tasty plant-based spot in Gabriel's Wharf serves up vegan fish and chips, pizzas and bean and lentil fritters to name a few.
Their wholesome menu will leave you feeling both healthy and glad you took on the Veganuary challenge.
6. The Eating Gorilla - National Route 8 in Snowdonia
In the small town of Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales, you’ll find The Eating Gorilla, a much-loved vegan cafe and restaurant.
Opening every Saturday evening for pre-order, they offer vegan cuisine from a different part of the world each week.
Route 8 on the National Cycle Network will take you straight to the door of this friendly eatery, just make sure to remember your lights and reflectives if cycling during these darker evenings.
National Cycle Network Route 6 takes you north to the lakes and wildlife of Watermead Park
8. Salt’N’Fire - National Route 1 in Inverness
This family-run vegan takeaway restaurant is all about soulful bowls, pots of joy and tasty wraps.
Salt’N’Fire, based in the heart of Inverness’ Victorian Market food hall, is on a mission to bring you ‘diverse, flavourful, plant-based dishes crafted with the freshest local ingredients’.
Located just a stone’s throw from Route 1, it’s the perfect stop-off point for some plant-powered fuel.
9. The Secret Garden Cafe - National Route 26 in Weymouth
Nestled on the edge of Dorset’s coast you’ll find The Secret Garden Cafe, well-known in more normal times for their breakfast waffles (they have a whole separate menu for them).
They’ve brought back their delicious vegan Sunday roast dinners, available for takeaway as well as delivery.
The cafe can be found just off National Route 26, a route which stretches all the way from Portishead on Somerset’s coast to the Isle of Portland.
The uninterrupted path takes you all the way out to Portland Beach.
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