The Caledonia’s food and drink offering went plant-based in 2017

Liverpool’s original vegan pub, The Caledonia, is giving its menu a revamp. The historic pub in the Georgian Quarter - which has operated continuously as a licensed premises since 1838 - made the move to go vegan five years ago.

We looked to build on our existing menu while reaching out into creative world inspired foods and innovative vegetable focused options.

It was a brave decision for a traditional pub to go for a 100% plant-based menu but one that paid off. The Cali is now well-known for its vegan beers and food, dog-friendly atmosphere and promoting rockabilly, folk and roots bands.

The Caledonia Vegan Menu Plant Based Vegan Beer Emma Lee Woods
The Cali went 100% vegan in 2017 Image: Emma-Lee Woods

The good news is that the new menu will still be animal-free. 

Laura King, licensee of the pub on Caledonia Street, said, “The Caledonia is a boss little Georgian Quarter community pub; we took a chance going vegan in 2017 but it has been an outstanding success. 

“It has been great to combine the elements of a traditional community pub with something unique. We looked to build on our existing menu while reaching out into creative world inspired foods and innovative vegetable focused options. It has been exciting watching the team create a spectacular and dynamic new menu. I can’t wait to try it all!” 

The new menu will include items inspired by dishes from around the world, as well as leaving on some of The Cali’s well-known favourites. The menu launches to the public on Thursday 8 September when the pub will team up with local brewery Carnival Brewing Company for a tap takeover with a wide selection of locally brewed craft beers.

The Caledonia Vegan Menu Nachos Vegan Beer Plant Based Emma Lee Woods3
The new menu is inspired by dishes from around the world Image: Emma-Lee Woods

Emma-Lee Woods, kitchen manager, said, “We have worked so hard to create a menu that includes a variety of exciting different foods, with something for everyone to enjoy. I have personally taken inspiration from my favourite dishes from places I’ve travelled, like our Vietnamese street fries, and we still have some Cali classics like everyone’s favourite Bacon Double Cheeze Burger. 

“Being vegan myself, and especially with veganism on the rise, it is so important to me that people enjoy our food. I love to show people that in 2022 we don’t have to miss out, and we can veganize just about anything.”

The Caledonia Vegan Menu Vegan Beer Plant Based Emma Lee Woods4
All the food and beer is vegan Image: Emma-Lee Woods

Dom Hope-Smith, director and founder of Carnival Brewing Company, said, "The Caledonia is a proud Liverpool institution, run by awesome people and we're delighted to be working closely with Laura and the team on matching beers for the launch of their delicious, revamped food menu. 

“We're pairing some great beers for the menu launch, and from September there will always be a fresh Carnival beer on tap for customers to enjoy."

The Caledonia's new menu includes tofu banh mi, hash stack, gumbo, nachos, tacos, loaded fries, battered seitan chick’n and burgers in all different flavours. There are plenty of gluten-free options too. 

The Cali is also launching a vegan Sunday roast served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, select vegetables and gravy. Opening hours are 12pm-12am Sunday to Thursday, 12pm-1am on Friday and Saturday. Food is served 12-9pm daily. 

22 Caledonia St, Liverpool L7 7DX


Read next: Plant power - 15 of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Liverpool

Read again: ‘One flavour powerhouse after the other’ - Vegan Tapas, Heswall, reviewed


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