FOOD EDITION
F rom indulgent plant-based comfort food to globally inspired cuisine, Cambridge caters for herbivores and flexitarians alike. With its burgeoning array of restaurants and cafes dedicated to meat-free dining, there’s never been a better time to explore the greener side of Cambridge’s culinary scene. “Veganuary has been going strong since 2014,” says Dr Toni Vernelli, head of policy
and communications for the Veganuary campaign. “Right from that first year we had more than 3,000 people sign up, so it seemed to hit the zeitgeist from the start. It’s been growing ever since: millions of people have taken part in our one-month vegan pledge since then, and now we’re completely global.” There are three main reasons for signing up. “Obviously, the environmental impact of livestock farming is gaining a lot more awareness now, but people also take part for health or animal welfare reasons. Often it’s a combination of all three.” Participants tend to fall into the 22- 55 age bracket, and most are still eating meat or fish. “They don’t intend to go vegan,” adds Toni. “Converting people to veganism isn’t our mission: we’re just trying to introduce them to plant-based foods. Hopefully, they like some dishes and keep them in their diet going forward; more than 80% of people taking part say they’ll try to permanently reduce their meat consumption.” Lots of beginner vegans sign up as well, in order to receive the free emails, get the recipes and be part of the general buzz. “Our support is really helpful,” says Toni. Cambridge is home to lots of cafes and restaurants where you can try out veganism and vegetarian dining without making that long-term commitment. If you’re ready to make the shift, these venues will support you every step of the way – and they will even change menus seasonally to keep things interesting! Located near the Grafton Centre, Thrive offers a cosy, community-driven dining experience with sustainability at
its heart. This cafe serves a 100% plant- based menu brimming with vibrant and wholesome options. The Buddha bowls are a must-try, piled with seasonal vegetables, grains and protein-packed toppings like smoky tempeh or marinated tofu. Thrive also caters to sweet-toothed diners, with a rotating selection of desserts including rich chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecakes – all dairy-free. Its welcoming vibe and eco-conscious ethos make it a haven for anyone seeking food that’s as good for the planet as it is for the palate. For a truly elevated vegetarian dining experience, look no further than Vanderlyle. Located on Mill Road, this Michelin-recommended restaurant is helmed by a team that’s passionate for sustainable, locally sourced cuisine. The FRIED AND TESTED Veganuary’s exciting stir-fry and soup recipes (above and left) and lasagne with an all-vegetable ragu at Vanderlyle (below)
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