Places to eat: Veganuary

Veganuary

Whether you’re a committed vegan, going on a new year health kick or just fancy some veggies, there are some fabulous eat-in and take-out vegan options available in Cornwall. Here are just a few.

Be Kind the Vegan Coffee Caravan

South Quay Hayle Harbour, Hayle, TR27 4EP. Tel: 07492 502873 The delightful Marek and Miska run this all-vegan caravan selling cakes, hot drinks and savoury treats. Try the popular vegan kebab wrap - plant-based spiced kebab meat with vegan mayo, sriracha sauce, homemade tzatziki and vegetables – or the salted tahini caramel millionaire bars. Be sure to take your snack for a stroll around this UNESCO world heritage site, once home to a noisy foundry and busy port. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.15am to 3pm. Facebook @bekind.vegan.caravan

Vega Tintagel Bossiney Road, Tintagel, PL34 0AH Tel: 01840 770460. FB: Vega Tintagel Aiming to explode the myth that vegan food is bland and boring, Vega serves 100% vegan food and drink, using organic, Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible. Choose from a tapas menu to try a selection of different dishes, and a core menu featuring curries and pasta; 50% of all profits go to animal welfare charities. Vega is closed for eating in from winter to Easter, but Take-Out Fridays continue from 5 to 7pm, and look out for a brief reopening in February halfterm. vegatintagel.wordpress.com

Wilder Allotment Kitchen

Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Chapel Hill, Porthtowan, TR4 8HL. Tel: 07534 621057 Vegan cafe focused on delicious wholesome food. International food a speciality; look out for Mexican nights, Reggae Roasts and Indian Thali. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights; café Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm (closed January 23 to 26). www.wilderallotmentkitchen.co.uk

The Bean Inn Vegetarian Restaurant St Ives Road, Carbis Bay, TR26 2RT. Tel: 01736 791706. The Bean Inn has earned a reputation as one of Cornwall’s most reliable vegetarian establishments. All dishes are either are vegan or can be adapted. Globally inspired mains include potato cakes stuffed with pea curry, served with tarka dhal and a chilli and coriander flatbread; follow this with chocolate and orange mud pie for dessert, washed down with Wild Thing organic wine. Enjoy your favourite dish at home with a restaurant meal kit, prepared and ready to cook in the oven or on the stove. (The Bean Inn team will take a well-earned break in January). www.thebeaninn.co.uk

The Hungry Hamster This self-dubbed Cornish “plantisserie” can provide anything from elegant afternoon teas and picnic hampers, to event and private catering. Owner Fern Pugh’s culinary style is inspired by the ritual of eating abroad, making the simplest of meals an experience; she draws upon her childhood travels and an international career working in top restaurants and hotels. Fern is based in Looe and takes orders for local deliveries; you can also find her at Truro Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays until December 16, then from January 12. Facebook @The Hungry-Hamster, hungry-hamster.com

Sprout Health Foods

The Old Printhouse, Crescent Lane, Newquay, TR7 1FZ. Tel: 01637 875845. Popular health food shop with vegan cafe. Look out for the Daily Sprout Pot - a winter warmer around the £5 mark, usually a dhal, curry or stew accompanied by basmati rice, always gluten-free and using wholefood ingredients. Follow it up with a treat from the wide range of raw cakes, again free of gluten and refined sugar. Sprout at the Yard can be found at 44 St Pirans Road, Perranporth (closed January). www.sprouthealth.co.uk

Buddhas Kitchen & Wellness Lounge 7 Madford Lane, Launceston, PL15 9EB Tel: 01566 772435 A vegan cafe with signature dishes including the mouthwatering BBQ jackfruit kebab, delectable desserts including the Smores Square, and caffeine-free energy-boosting drinks such as the beetroot and ginger latte. Look out for regular live music, and an evening menu for late-night shopping on Wednesday, December 10. Facebook: @ buddhasmindfuleating

Archie Browns, Truro and Penzance

You can’t list vegan eateries without mentioning Archie Brown’s. Sadly, the pandemic has seen both cafes close, but the Penzance store still offers takeaway food and smoothies, and both are your first port-of-call for health foods, environmentally friendly products and ethical purchases. For more information, visit www.archiebrownscornwall.co.uk

The Cornish Vegan, Truro 15 Kenwyn Street, Truro TR1 3BU. 01872 271540 Nourishing, heart-warming and delicious food in Truro’s bohemian Kenwyn Street. Most of the range is handmade on site using locally and sustainably sourced products, including fabulous cakes (including mince pies!). Also selling vegan pasties by The Cornish Oven. Open Wednesday to Sunday. www.thecornishvegan.com

The Fish Factory Art Space

Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8AG. Tel: 01326 618364 A bright and comfortable space serving an array of vegan snacks, drinks and light meals from crumpets and cakes to sausage rolls, pizza slices and soups. Why not check out an exhibition while you’re there? See p60 for inspiration. www.fishfactoryarts.space