Thursday 1 November is World Vegan Day, a global initiative that celebrates the benefits of veganism, and how far the movement has come.

In recent years veganism has exploded into the mainstream, with more and more people choosing a plant-powered life.

A recent survey by comparethemarket.com showed a significant jump in the past couple of years, with more than 3.5 million British people identifying as vegan. Demand for meat-free food increased by 987% in 2017, and according to Google search the vegan trend quadrupled between 2012 and 2017.

Vegan options are on the increase in shops and restaurants around the country, and Preston is no different. So to get into the spirit of World Vegan Day, read on for the best places to eat plant-based, as recommended by members of Preston Vegan Society.

Mystery Tea House

This popular eatery on Cannon Street serves clearly labelled vegan options like soups, wraps and puddings, including an avocado and lime cheesecake. It’s also known for its huge array of teas, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. But be quick, it’s currently up for sale.

Preston Market

Two places are recommended at the city’s indoor market hall. Brew + Bake offers a selection of vegan cakes and plant milks, plus a full English breakfast. World Foods Irie Irie has a simple Caribbean menu that includes vegan dishes like curry, callaloo, ackee, plantain and more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi9V9iIgvE-/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Pizza Express

Okay it’s a national chain, but Pizza Express got a couple of recommendations. Preston’s branch is located on Winckley Street. The vegan menu has a choice of three starters, plenty of pizzas for main course, and three desserts. They even let you know which wines are vegan.

Little Vegan

Preston’s first all vegan supermarket operates from littlevegan.com and a unit on Derby Street. Little Vegan began as a takeaway service of homemade dishes, and this year expanded to also sell vegan favourites including Follow Your Heart Vegenaise and One Planet Pizza.

The Ferret

This Fylde Road venue looks like it’s put some thought into its vegan options. There’s the Beat the Bean and the Mexican’t burgers, The Panelle Countdown – a hoagie with lightly fried strips of chickpeas and garbanzo flour – and The Pretender, a chilli and coriander vegan hot dog.

The Top Lock

This pub is further afield in Wheelton, Chorley, but was strongly recommended. After apparently trialling plant-based dishes they decided to permanently include vegan options this year. One happy customer said they were spoilt for choice and the food was fantastic.

RK Dining

Situated on Plungington Road, RK Sweets is a quick service Indian sweet shop and vegetarian eatery with vegan options. You can take away or sit in at their small dining area. As Blog Preston reported in this recent review, it’s fast and filling curry and good for anyone on a budget.

Vex Vegan Cookery

This vegan and mainly gluten-free takeaway in central Preston offers collection and delivery. Extra services include a two-hour vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea and cookery demo for £25, and a four-hour vegan cookery lesson for £40 for one person or £60 for two.

Duxburys Garden Centre

Located in Whitestake the restaurant at Duxburys offers a vegan menu that includes the McVegan, a homemade mixed bean burger. They use Mayola and vegan spread, and can fully veganise their afternoon tea. They also stock Little Vegan frozen ready meals.

Hand and Dagger

Sitting by the canal, this Salwick pub’s vegan menu has been dubbed varied and delicious. The offering changes but has been known to include sautéed mushrooms with a cheese sauce, sweet butterbean and peanut curry with naan bread, and blackcurrant crumble with ice cream.

Olive Tree

It’s possible to eat a delicious vegan three-course meal at this modern Greek restaurant on Church Street, as Blog Preston discovered. A favourite was Tiganista – a Greek pancake topped with a flat garlic mushroom, caramelised red onion, and a sweet balsamic dressing.

Other recommendations include:

• Adelphi – for great vegan junk food with the tater tots being a favourite
• Go Falafel – for a quick lunch and cheap healthy food
• Town House Coffee and Brew Bar – for the slightly expensive but tasty all vegan breakfast
• Cafuné – for being accommodating and trying to expand their vegan menu
• Ravenous – for serving vegan black pudding that tastes exactly like the real thing
• Plus – Silk Route, Cocos, Two for One pubs including Ribble Pilot, and A Taste of Thailand

As one member of Preston Vegan Society said: “The possibilities are a lot more exciting these days.”

Do you agree with the list of vegan places to eat in Preston? Is anywhere missing? Let us know in the comments below.