In 2013, PETA voted Glasgow as the most vegan-friendly city in the UK, and since then our little city hasn’t stopped developing delicious ways to eat meat-free. While other spots frowned at the term 'vegan', here in Glasgow it represents something far more exciting, from huge vegan brunches through to an epic vegan festival. Read our list of why Glasgow is still pulling all the stops out for vegans.
Glasgow has a hot line-up of vegan festivals
Glasgow’s vegans are a happy bunch and it’s not just restaurants but a whole line-up of delicious festivals that put on vegan goodies. Vegan Beer Fest (tickets here), organised by Fat Gay Vegan, will be taking place at Mono with beer provided by William Bros Brewing Co. and a whole load of vegan street food. If that isn't enough celebrating, Vegan Connections is returning for a second year and promises even more fun, from a huge party with live music through to stalls that will stock loads of vegan products.
Glasgow regularly hosts huge vegan-focused events including a beer festival.
Vegan desserts look as amazing as they taste
The cooks and chefs of Glasgow haven’t let a lack of animal produce deter them, if anything Glasgow’s vegan desserts and goodies are better than the standard version. Dedicated vegan restaurant Stereo cooks up an absolute storm in the kitchen with plates so pretty you won’t want to eat them lest you ruin the look. Soy Division, a vegan bakery, also deserve a shout out for pastries and goodies while Riverhill Coffee Bar makes a scrumptious selection of vegan treats. If you're looking for a celebration cake, Glasgow also has a talented range of suppliers including Laurianne's Raw Cakes and Red Rosa's Specialist Cakery to name a few.
Catch the likes of Laurianne's Raw Cakes at a vegan food festival or order online.
There’s cool monthly vegan events
The Flying Duck is one of our favourite night spots, but did you know they are also one of Glasgow’s biggest vegan champions? Serving meat-free and animal-produce-free meals every day, the venue also hosts a monthly vegan fete full of sexy Glasgow producers such as Cool Jerk Vegan Pies, Missy’s Vegan Cupcakes, The Wild Witchery and Vegan Tablet, among others.
The Flying Duck's monthly Big Vegan Fete is a great way to discover new vegan suppliers.
Vegan brunches are seriously delicious
From curing a hangover to spending a Saturday catching up, brunch is the ultimate activity come the weekend. Glasgow’s vegan brunch offerings are certainly up to the task of kicking off shenanigans; try MalaCarne over in Mount Florida, who serve up a selection of vegan bites and cakes. The 13th Note is the spot if you’re looking for something a little more traditional as they create a Full-English style offering, or stick around until lunch to try their award-winning burgers.
Starting life as a pop-up, MalaCarne now runs a permanent cafe in Mount Florida.
Hangover-curing comfort vegan food is the best
There’s nothing like a huge plate of something gooey and delicious when we’re feeling a bit sorry for ourselves, and Glasgow’s restaurants have got the goods. Bloc+ has some epic vegan dishes including Fantastic Man Tacos (£9) with jerk-infused nofu, pickled cabbage and vegan cashew sour cream. Mono does a great To-Fish and Chips (£8.50); the burgers over at Flying Duck will sort out any hankering straight away, and The 78 is a Finnieston vegan pub whose menu reads like a Now CD of hits.
Even when we're in need of something big and dirty, Glasgow's bars will whip up a worthy vegan meal.
