Plant-based eating is on the rise. Every year, the Veganuary campaign breaks previous years’ records, with more people signing up to try going plant-based every January.
There are many reasons people choose to go vegan. Veganism was founded on ethical values as a way to denounce intensive factory farming. But there are strong health and environmental arguments for plant-based eating too.
The meat and dairy industries account for 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation. Switching to a plant-based or vegan diet can reduce the climate impact of the food we eat by up to 50 times.
We’re lucky to have so many great plant-based options offered by our local businesses here in Leighton Buzzard to help you make a difference. Here’s a round-up of our favourites; be sure to let us know yours.
Piccolo Bakery
Most of the incredible pastries and bakes at this cute take-away cafe are vegan. From croissants and cinnamon swirls, to almond bakewells and pain au chocolat, everything here is made in-house, too. There are some great vegan lunch options as well – try the vegan sausage roll or the roasted vegetable focaccia with homemade vegan pesto.
The Pantry
This popular cafe’s extensive menu has plenty of breakfast, lunch and sweet options for vegans. Some of our favourites include the generous vegan cooked breakfast, the beetroot, hummus and vegan feta sandwich, baked potato with vegan chilli and a summer tomato, hummus and vegan feta bruschetta. There’s always a delicious vegan cake to choose from too.
Espresso Head
Aside from getting your favourite plant-based milk in your coffee, you can grab a Bakesmith’s vegan cake or pastry while watching the world go by from the window at this cosy Icelandic-inspired cafe. Try the cinnamon bun or blueberry bakewell with your morning cuppa.
Oliver & Hare
Vegans have a few great choices at the Oliver & Hare. Their plant-based breakfast is a pretty plate of sauteed mushrooms, tomato, avocado, toast, wilted greens and seeds. Their lunch menu offers a bean chilli with rice, and sometimes there’s an extra vegan option on their specials menu.
The Hangry Vegan
Our pick at the weekly Saturday market is The Hangry Vegan, a street-food inspired selection including wraps, curries and sandwiches. You can also order home-cooked vegan ready meals, delivered frozen, via their website.
The Grove Lock
This smart waterside pub offers a good few vegan options across starters, main, dessert and Sunday menus. We rate the plant-based burger with smoky cheese, and their Sunday nut roast with all the trimmings.
Sweet Delights by Jools at The Refill
Need a quick cake stop? The Refill often stocks a couple of tray bakes from vegan and gluten-free baker Sweet Delights by Jools.
The Globe
When you fancy lots of vegan options with a slice of canalside dining, head to The Globe. With more plant-based choices than most pubs, their current menu (winter 2023) has all sorts, from soups and ravioli, to plant-based burgers, risottos, curries and gnocchi. Finish it all off with a vegan bakewell tart.
Canal Street Coffee
Canal Street also sells Bakesmith’s treats from the counter. But you can grab a delicious vegan overnight oats for breakfast, or a delicious falafel and hummus mediterranean wrap, which they toast for you.
Leighton Buzzard Vegan Market
The Vegan Market Co has come to Leighton Buzzard a handful of times. The market is packed with vegan-only businesses (food and beyond), so it’s a brilliant chance to try something new and fill your vegan boots. Keep an eye on its website for upcoming dates.