MEAT-FREE EATS IN BIRMINGHAM
For a city as diverse as Birmingham it’s fair to say that the food scene has been a little slow off the mark when it comes to vegan offerings. But the last few years have seen a welcome explosion of pop-ups, bistros and indies with more bite than you can shake a chopstick at and, enhancing the city’s sprinkling of long-standing favourites, Birmingham should now be a hot destination for veggie and vegan foodies as Gemma Corden finds out.
Cafe Soya
A well-loved fixture, this lot are mad about soya (the clue is in the name). Cafe Soya delivers a massive range of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine informed by a family tradition of making soya products. Vegans are well catered for through a range of mock dishes – meat and fish made from soya and vegetable fibre.
The Warehouse Cafe
Another stalwart, this homely place offers a chalkboard menu inspired by seasonal fruit and veg. There’s the classic veggie cafe set up – you have to ring the doorbell of the Friends of the Earth headquarters and walk through their office to find the restaurant. Once inside expect wholesome British food with an international flavour mix. If it’s on, try the Kreissler Pudding – sugar free bitter raw food mousse made from banana, avocado and chocolate…trust me on this one. Last orders 8.30pm and bring your own bottle.
Bistro 1847
Exposed wood floors, retro filament lightbulbs, trendy aprons; Bistro 1847, brought to Birmingham by a Manchester-based entrepreneur in 2013, is the perfect place to impress a date. Nestled away in the stunning Victorian arcade, it delivers dramatic food quietly. Think Instagram-worthy concoctions complete with edible flowers. The staff are so efficient they’re almost invisible. You can almost forgive the tiny portions and higher price tag.
The Vegan Grindhouse
This dynamic husband and wife team bring the Midlands just what it was missing – Americana vegan street food and desserts. Think chilli dogs and shakes – only 100% plant-based. They even make their own fudge – what’s not to love?
Deepalis
This family run establishment offers totally vegetarian Indian cuisine – dosas, curries and street food with vegan options available. There’s loads to choose from – to eat in or takeaway – with brilliant prices and generous portions.
Canalside Cafe
35 Gas Street
Higgledy-piggledy rustic gorgeousness complete with rickety chairs and fairy lights, this cafe is perfect first date fodder. Not really a cafe though, more of a pub. Expect lots of tourists – it’s setting on the canalside between Brindley Place – and The Mailbox is a draw as is the comfort food fayre with a veggie twist. Vegan options available.
Blue Piano
Now is the time to make the most of this South-East Asian bar and restaurant’s garden. There’s live music on Friday’s throughout the summer, if you like jazz with your prawn crackers. Lots of veggie curries and stir fries – ask the calm staff for their vegan and gluten free options. You must try the Jackfruit and Rambutan Red Curry with exotic fruits.
Loco Lounge
Part of the Loungers chain of cafe bars, this branch is the absolute best. An attentive and knowledgable team of staff who can’t do enough for you ensure a relaxing trip out that feels like home-from-home. Special vegan menu, freshly squeezed orange juice and board games to boot.
