WHETHER you are a long time vegan, or are dabbling in it for Veganuary, there are loads of great places in Kent taking plant based eating to the next level.
Plates alive with colour and brimming with nutrients, the wizardry that goes into vegan food harnessing the goodness and maximising flavour, is incredible when it is done well.
THE PLANT BASE, TUNBRIDGE
The Plant Base is headed up by Geff Stone who opened the cafe in February 2017.
He has been bringing a rainbow of whole food and fresh cold-pressed juice to Tunbridge Wells ever since.
The imaginative menu offers up delights such as miso glazed aubergine with whipped tofu, fried lentils and quick-pickled sprouted mung bean.
There are also the Future farms burgers with smoked applewood cheese, tomato relish, slaw, red onion, gherkin contains oat gluten. Also don't miss out on the Buddha bowls, they are divine.
At the weekend one of the scrumptious sounding brunch favourites is the The Big Weekend with tofu scramble, Portobello mushroom, roasted tomato, potato rosti, sautéed spinach, homemade beans and sourdough toast.
Geff's vision was to create an eco-friendly eatery with up-cycled furniture, biodegradable takeaway packaging and an all-vegan menu. He's done just that.
Address 11 Camden Road, Tunbridge
Website www.theplantbase.co.uk
THE WALLFLOWER CAFE, HERNE BAY
The Wallflower Cafe in Herne Bay is championing veganism with it’s fresh approach to food.
Just looking at the dishes served at the cafe will get you salivating.
They manage to pack in an array of veggies and deliciousness and make it all sing harmoniously.
From Buddha bowls, falafel salads and deletable desserts, it is worth a day trip to the pretty seaside town just for the food.
The café is located on the high street and is an attractive place to cosy up and savour the dishes.
Address Unit 7, 116 High Street, Herne Bay
Search The Wallflower Cafe on Facebook.
THE MORTAR + PESTLE
News came in November last year that the well loved The Mortar + Pestle Café in Dymchurch was closing.
The beloved vegan eatery was known for dishes like the Falafel bowl with bulgar and salad, tasty cakes cakes and coffees, all 100 per cent vegan and healthy to boot.
Although it closed last year there is a glimmer of hope as the owner has said there are plans to re-open next year. Horray!
News of the new location is yet to be announced.
For updates The Mortar + Pestle on Facebook.
37 High St, Dymchurch, Romney Marsh TN29 0NH.
THE RETREAT ANIMAL RESCUE, ASHFORD
The Retreat Animal Rescue, in Brickyard Farm, in Ashford is all about the menu and the menu reflects that.
They care about animals so much, you won’t find a sniff of meat in the cafe.
It is an entirely voluntary and a not-for-profit charity organisation and all funds raised go to the welfare of the animals.
They serve sandwiches such as Rasher, lettuce, tomato and mayo and cheeze and tomato, as well as an array of meat free burgers in a floured bap with salad garnish.
The cafe closes to the public over the winter because there's so much work to do with the animals and they have everything ready for customers at the end of March.
Address The Retreat, Brickyard Farm, Cripple Hill, High Halden, Ashford TN26 3LJ
Website retreatanimalrescue.org.uk
QUEX BARN, BIRCHINGTON
Quex Barn has a menu dedicated to vegan food. There is smoky garlic bread, veganella pizza with tomato sauce and “mozzarella” and basil, vegan Hawaiian, vegan garlic mayo and more.
Quex Barn Pizza, Birchington, There’s a good selection of veggie toppings, such as mushroom, garlic and basil and egg, spinach and walnuts, along with your usual Margherita. They also offer a vegan menu, where many of their most popular pizzas are recreated with a plant-based twist.
Address Quex View Rd, Birchington CT7 0BB
Website www.quexbarn.com
THE BIG GREEK BUS, FOLKESTONE
For some tasty street food head to the The Big Greek Bus, Harbour Approach Road, Folkestone.
The big blue double decker bus stands tall on Folkestone’s Harbour Arm, the Big Greek Bus serves a delicious such as soft Greek flatbread wrap with homemade tzatziki and salad and tasty halloumi fries.
Address Harbour Arm Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone CT20 1QH
See www.folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk
Yummy sweet treats a go-go at Vegan Antics in Gravesend.
The all-vegan bakery is the place to go for moreish treats that are cruelty free.
The delicious goods are as tasty as they are Instagram worthy in their beauty.
Address 70 High St, Gravesend DA11 0BH
GOOS ON THE GREEN CAFE, WALMER
Goose On The Green Café for a tasty vegan breakfast such as the divine avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach hash browns, beans toast with either olive or vegan butter.
Address 27 The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DX
See www.facebook.com/GooseontheGreenCafe
THE REFRECTORY KITCHEN, CANTERBURY
The Refectory Kitchen does a very decent breakfast with lots of tasty choices for vegans.
Try the Veggie Up including poached egg, tomato, mushroom, spicy veg fritter, homemade baked beans and avocado, served with toasted granary, and The Bennies, two poached eggs on a toasted English muffin and hollandaise sauce and harissa Tofu Scramble served on toasted malt sourdough with grilled peppers, avocado, pomegranate and coconut yoghurt.
Address 16 St. Dunstan's Street, Canterbury CT2 8AF
Website refectorykitchen.com/menu
SINGH'S RESTAURANT, GRAVESEND
Singh's Restaurant serves a mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian dishes.
On the menu are things like chilli paneer tossed in green chillies, pepper and spring onion, Haka Veg Noodles pan fried with vegetable and Gobi Manchurian, succulent pieces of cauliflower, covered in batter, deep fried and cooked in a Chinese style sauce.
Address 151 Milton Rd, Gravesend
