More than 600,000 people officially signed up to Veganuary in 2022 and it’s estimated it will rise further for 2023. If you want to start the year thinking more about the planet and your food choices, you don’t need to go too far to be inspired. Hertfordshire has a plethora of healthy eating, vegetarian and vegan eateries to pick up some tasty treats…here’s a taste of the top ten to try.

 

It’s a favourite in St Albans and for Charlie Powell, who was inspired by years of working in cafes and immersing herself in café-culture around the UK, she has certainly bought speciality to the people of St Albans.

Charlie and her (then black) little van with three wheels first rocked up to St Albans station in 2008 with a café opening in London Road in 2014.

Now a vibrant turquoise, Charlie said: “Our little three-wheeler is still very much a feature at the city station every weekday morning between 6.30am and 10am.

“We got a new shiny look in 2022 with a super cool new counter made from recycled plastic bottles. All our coffee grounds are recycled into biofuels and we make all our coffee and hot drinks with plant-based milk free of charge. We proudly implemented this to stop any cost discrimination between dairy drinkers and vegan humans!

“We are stocked with vegan treats and serve super scrumpy toasted vegan banana bread with lashings of vegan butter, have a daily range of healthy vegetarian and vegan sandwiches made on artisan baked focaccias and we make amazing cacao coffee smoothies. We always have a couple of vegan cakes on our counter, and we sell vegan sweets, vegan power balls, vegan brownies and vegan porridge.

“Our Instagram is the best place to see what we're up to… and to get a cheeky look at our cinnamon buns!”

charliescoffeeandcompany.co.uk

 

Of course, everyone loves an afternoon tea and at Centurion Club in Hemel Hempstead, there’s a delicious vegan menu available. Offering a warm, welcoming and informal environment in elegant surroundings, the menu matches Centurion’s high standards with a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection from the patisserie. Menus change seasonally but as a guide spiced lentil puree with red onion and coriander sandwiches have been a top choice as has the blueberry and lemon cake. Tea, is of course, in its plenty…choose from options such as wild cherry, fruity tisane or try rooibos tiramisu if you would like a sugary cocoa aroma and coffee with a sweet and lasting finish.

centurionclub.co.uk

 

Pudding is certainly not an afterthought at The Pudding Stop. For founder Johnny Shepherd, the pandemic saw the bakery move from above the St Albans shop to a new 3,600 square ft bakery in Redbourn and he opened another shop in Harpenden.

Everything they bake is handmade and, of course, this much-loved independent carefully sources ingredients, has a commitment to the environment and is supporting the community with a burning desire to bake tasty puddings.

Johnny said: “We do vegan triple layer brownies, vegan apple crumble cake and vegan/gluten free chocolate cheesecake. And, a vegan PB & J cookie cup which we do every January. All are available to order through our website or in store.

“At weekends we open the bakery coffee counter for cyclists and walkers stopping by plus on Friday nights we become The Pizza Stop and make our own New-York-style pizza with 72-hour dough and exceptional produce.”

thepuddingstop.com

 

Heading to The Grove, it offers some unique dining experiences from its mouth-watering restaurants. Madhu’s offers a warming selection of dishes including vegan options.

Including mixed vegetable jalfrezi where vegetables are cooked with ginger, cumin and chilli, there’s also aloo bhindi masala which includes stir fried okra and potato with onion, tomato and a touch of spice. The Stables vegan menu includes Jerusalem artichoke soup to start, kale and porcini risotto for mains and a blackberry and pistachio mousse to finish.

The Stables restaurant will be closed for refurbishment from January 22, 2023, until the end of March 2023.

thegrove.co.uk

 

Lucy Fisher, owner of Chia Naturally Healthy in Hitchin, says: “Obviously January means veganuary in our vegan eyes so we would love for people young and old to discover how great you can feel by either switching to a plant-based way of life or at least including more plant-based foods into their everyday life. 

“At Chia not only are we plant-based but we focus on organic whole foods that nourish your body inside and out, offering a varied brunch menu and an extensive drinks menu with over 60 healthful beverages for people to try. Our most popular items being the Herby portobello mushrooms on toast with plant-based ricotta, the Fitness freak smoothie and our secret blend rooibos chai latte. 

“We understand this is new to many and are always happy to help you understand any ingredients you aren’t sure of and help you find something we know you will enjoy. 

“We are nestled right in the heart of Hitchin town square so a chance for a lovely day out too, browsing round the many independent stores Hitchin has to offer.”

chianaturallyhealthy.com

 

The ethos at Mudlarks is to provide opportunities for people of all abilities.

Based in Hertford, the vegetarian and vegan charity café sees them grow their own food on their allotments and uses the plot to plate mantra where possible. Cooking vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and wheat-free dishes, by visiting Mudlarks, customers are supporting the local community of adults with learning difficulties and mental health issues. Mudlarks strives to bring the local community together through food, music, art and social interaction. It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, breast-feeding friendly and there’s high-chairs, books and toys and baby changing facilities…what’s not to love?

mudlarksgarden.org.uk

 

Having recently started roasting their own coffee, Paul and Harry at Vutie Beets, believe in a happier, healthier and more sustainable community through food. Showcasing vegan food and drink and highlighting how good the lifestyle can be, it’s serving up great food and coffee which just happens to be vegan. From Spanish scramble to crispy tempeh quesadilla and squash tagine to a selection of sandwiches, there’s a plentiful plant-based menu on offer. Being involved in the community is also passion, whether it be supper clubs or providing free cooking lessons.

vutiebeets.co.uk

 

Sticking with Letchworth Garden City and there’s another popular café which specialises in healing foods and holistic wellbeing. Nourish is nestled away between wild flowers and woodland, behind the Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living. The menu changes along with the seasons and has a specials board, along with breakfast/brunch, lunches and veggie roasts. Fresh and vibrant dishes that combine a delicate balance of vitamins and nutrients are served from the heart.

nourishcafe.co.uk

 

Over in Croxley Green, Perch and Co serves food freshly made to order with some delicious vegan choices. The independent award-winning bistro offers everything from a full vegan breakfast to a vegan sausage sandwich, bliss bowls and vegan quesadillas, but do try the delicious, sweeter treats where past options have included vegan Oreo doughnuts and an indulgent cookies and cream cake.

perchandco.com

 

From healthy shiitake mushroom ramen to chili non carne, Plantopia in St Albans is not just about a plant-based diet for founders Alessandro and Nabil, it’s also for the health of the planet. Making an effort to source all ingredients from sustainable and Fairtrade sources, packaging, too, is either compostable, biodegradable, recyclable or made from recycled materials. Delicious menu choices which are 100 per cent plant-based, it’s clear why Plantopia is described at 100 per cent flavoursome!

plantopiavegan.com