Back away from that rack of ribs and steer clear of all steak, the meat-free revolution is here, and it’s not just better than ever, it’s practically heaven sent. From seitan burgers dripping with filthy flavour to sophisticated dishes that utilise the vegetable patch in every way, shape and form, we asked DesignMyNight to put together a list of some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the UK. Here goes it…

1. Haunt – London

When Haunt in Stoke Newington announced that they would be hosting a kitchen residency with Biff’s Jack Shack, London’s vegan and vegetarian community shook with anticipation. Why, you might ask? Because their menu of Bang Bang Fries with miso mayo, Father Jack burger with smokey ‘bacun’ jam and jackfruit wings just so happens to be one of the best meat-free menus around.

2. Black Cat Cafe – London

Currently host to renovations and due to reopen in Hackney in February 2018, Black Cat Cafe is a London vegan spot that has both the meat-free and sense of community down to a T. Whether they’re sharing support for local businesses, hosting soup kitchens or filling bellies with the best vegan breakfast that money can buy (think tofu scramble and the finest of fried potatoes), it’s a home-away-from-home dining experience at Black Cat.

3. The Full Nelson – London

Not afraid of filthy fingers and fast food, The Full Nelson is an intimate vegan and vegetarian burger spot in London that puts any and all beef burgers to shame. When you’re not soaking up the dog-friendly and down to earth environment with a cocktail in hand, you’ll be gob stuffing with the likes of buffalo seitan wings, vegan chilli cheese fries and their ‘Sith’ burger with Deptford Death sauce, Sriracha mayo and spicy cheese.

4. Paradise Palms – Edinburgh

When they’re not topping lists for one of the most unique bars in Edinburgh (their bunting lined ceilings, neon signage and mish-mashed furniture making sure of that), they’re serving up Scotland with some of the finest in vegetarian soul food. Plant-based, and with roots in America’s southern states, you can gorge on a menu of three bean chili, cornbread, chipotle mac ‘n’ cheese, and a pulled jackfruit burger with ranch dressing.

5. Food For Friends – Brighton

Sure, Brighton’s got the seaside and that’s very nice, but they’ve got another thing going for them, and that’s one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the UK. Not only have Food For Friends stacked up a few awards over the years, their menu of pretty plates and inventive, meat-free food is a global affair, ranging from crispy tapioca aubergine tempura, all the way down to Portobello mushrooms with grin-inducing potato gratin.

6. Bistro 1847 – Manchester

Bistro 1847 may have been uprooted in 2017, but their new Manchester plot goes to show that the north wasn’t quite ready to let go of their a la carte, vegetarian dining option. Now found on Chapel Walks, this smart, meat-free space is back with a vegetarian vengeance, dosing diners on the likes of harissa battered halloumi with triple cooked chips, and crispy truffled gnocchi with vegan parmesan.

7. Stereo – Glasgow

Sure, Renfield Lane sounds assuming, like any other lane in Glasgow perhaps, but with Stereo in its midst, Renfield Lane actually happens to be home to some of the best vegetarian grub in the city. The epitome of all things casual and cool, Stereo doesn’t just boast night after night of lush live music and DJs, their menu is one of jackfish (jackfruit in a crisp batter) and chips, beetroot gnocchi and more.

8. Milgi – Cardiff

While the roaming hills of Wales may boast farm upon farm of butcher-worthy fare, there’s one spot in Cardiff that is leading the meat-free charge, and it’s easy to see why. From Asian noodles with tempura smoked tofu to a cacao and berry cheesecake, they’re intimate, they’re inclusive and they’re all about bringing you the very best in natural food. If that’s not a three cheers for Milgi, we don’t know what is.

9. Not Dogs – Birmingham

We know what you’re thinking.. ‘Why not dogs, EVERYONE loves dogs?’, but Not Dogs in Birmingham aren’t against all things four legged, they just so happen to be on the same team. Removing animal products from their dribble inducing selection of hot dogs, this vegetarian Birmingham spot is packing in every type of topping from tikka masala and shredded ‘duck’ to nachos for a unique, vegan and vegetarian experience.

For more info on the best restaurants in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.

By Katie Houghton