Where to Veganuary in Leeds - it's not all lentils you know

Every year January tells us to be better people. It whips us into shape with its promise of a fresh start; new resolutions to erase the guilt of December’s overindulgence. It’s one long, frosty month of attempted virtuosity, before normality resumes with the echo of trainers on concrete.

People already assume I’m vegan, which is probably not a compliment, given the presumption of sallow skin and an iron deficiency. But, I do have a nose ring, and am built a bit like a runner bean, so I might as well give Veganuary a try. What’s there to lose?

Sprout bhaji’s aren’t just for Christmas

Week one started off with baked sweet potatoes four nights in a row, so eating out better be exciting. Luckily plant-based options are on the up. The corner shop now seems to sell every milk alternative under the sun, and I heard a rumour Pizza Express will slide you free dough balls if you whisper Veganuary to your waiter this month. Greggs has even brought out a (not) bloody vegan sausage roll.

But what’s Leeds saying? Determined to not get hooked on vegan ‘junk food’, that the likes of Knave’s Kitchen, Cantina, and Temple Donuts do so well, here's where I'm hitting up in town if the Tupperware of quinoa gets a bit too much. 

Brød Sandwich Bar 

On the corner of Great George Street, queues form every weekday lunchtime for Brød’s DIY fillings and all of the breads. The falafel and roasted Mediterranean veggies are awesome smooshed into a toasted wrap (£3.40).

31 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BB

Fettle

The best vegan breakfast in Leeds? At £9.50, you’re going to want the works, and here you totally get it. Plus #housegoals, Fettle’s like an interior design dream.

73 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR

Tandem

You won’t miss meat one bit up in Meanwood. Never mind Waitrose’s new range, Tandem’s hummus, rocket and sun-dried tomato sandwich (£4.70) last weekend was everything.

574 Meanwood Rd, Leeds LS6 4AZ

Bundobust

This Indian street food and craft beer place is great for vegans any time of year. Sprout bhaji’s aren’t just for Christmas. Enough said.

6 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ

Eat Your Greens

Proud to support local farmers, I’m looking forward to two vegan mains for £10 next week, where vegetables will be the star of the show. They’ve got a cool list of natural wines too.

42 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY

Arts

I’m still reminiscing about Arts’ cumin & courgette spelt fritters, so their menu is a must. There’s an Eastern Plate (£6.50) that looks too good to be true, and with 50% off this month, literally, what I am waiting for?

42 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 6DT

Waterlane Boat House

At WLBH, the sourdough pizza is so tasty, you don’t miss the cheese. Choose from the classic san mazarno tomato (£5.50), or the aubergine and artichoke gremolata (£8.00), and don’t forget the kale salad, with it’s salty moreish soy roast seed sprinkle (£5.95). Also they're offering 50% off this month.

Canal Wharf, Leeds LS11 5PS

Wapentake

Pubs don’t have to be all pork scratchings and fish finings. Wapentake has one of the most loyal followings around, and whatever your pals want, vegans can eat too, Sunday roasts included. (From £7.95)

92 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ

Grön

January personified, each pretty plate here looks to be as virtuous as it gets. I’ve just seen they’re doing Vegan tiramisu cake too, so maybe scrap the virtue bit.

Grön Kafé – 454 Roundhay Road, LS8 2HU 

Last January my resolution was to pair my socks, and that stuck. Let’s see if I’ll be back on the omelettes come Spring.