New Year's Resolutions can be daunting. Some of us may have jumped out of bed on the 1st Jan, smashed all our goals and will continue to do so all year. Others put off anything other than binge watching Netflix and ploughing through selection boxes at a rate of knots until the 4th Jan (quite rightly, 2022 doesn't start until after the Bank Holiday, surely!). There are some who chose not to make any resolutions at all, and others who shout online all December that we are idiots for waiting until January to make positive changes to our lives and should act TODAY. Whichever category you fall in to is just fine... apart from the last one, don't be that person.

Anyway, I think it can often be misrepresented that our resolutions, goals, targets etc. need to be extreme. Quit smoking, run a marathon, start a business, lose three stone etc. In my opinion, making small changes that you are more likely to stick to can be far more effective. One that has increased in popularity over the past few years is surrounding plant based diets. You may plan to try your first Vegan meal in 2022, you may try to eat Vegan one day a week, or you may be chosing to participate in 'Veganuary'. However you chose to do it, if this is one of your goals or resolutions for the new year, I can only see it as a good thing. There are clear benefits for both your health and the planet, so what's not to love. But of course, Vegan food is all just tasteless Tofu and Rye Bread. Right? Wrong. We are here to share with you 8 of the UK's best Vegan spots you need to check out this January. Grab your oat milk latte and take a seat, as we take you on this plant based journey of food...

Buba - Belfast

Opening it's doors to the buzzing St Anne's square in Belfast in January 2018, Buba is an Eastern Mediterranean influenced restaurant that boasts a menu which is 50% vegan. This stylish restaurant serves up a wide range of exciting dishes, both hot and cold, with tapas and sharers to enjoy with friends and other plates you'll be fighting to keep to yourself.
As it is not an exclusively Vegan restaurant, it is refreshing to see Buba not fall in to the trap we see over again where kitchens plate up some less than lively pasta, declare it vegan and think that will suffice. With Baba Ganoush, Cauliflower Shawarma, Vegetable Tagine, Patatas Bravas and mouth watering Chocolate Brownie, (if you've left the room for it!), this really is a gem for those looking for some plant-based delicacies in the vibrant city of Belfast.

Website: bubabelfast.com/
Instagram: @bubabelfast

BVRGER - London

Viewers Discretion Advised – Looking at images from Bvrger, going on their website or reading this feature WILL make you hungry.
Opening in Kensington in 2020, Bvrger (pronounced Burger) offers a 100% Vegan Menu. The perfect place for the comfort food you know and love, including ‘Bacon’ Chick’n ‘Cheese’, Truffle Fries, Churros & Cookie Dough shakes. Working with industry leading chefs, they have also developed their own unique seasonings and sauces to really set them apart in the taste department. Packed with plant protein and free of hormones, GMO ingredients and antibiotics which can be found in meat, this really is convenience food, without the guilt. For vegans, flexitarians and meat eaters alike, this is an exciting new addition to the vegan restaurant scene in London, stay tuned for more store openings in the near future…
The only question left to ask is, what will you try off the menu first?

Website: bvrger.co.uk
Instagram: @bvrger_official

Zizzi - Numerous UK Locations

Zizzi is a name that most of us recognise on the restaurant scene. But did you know that they were the first UK chain to serve pizza with the mozzarella substitute 'mozzarisella'? They also offer delicious vegan bruschetta to start, vegan margherita and rustica hot & spicy jackfruit on the pizza front, mouth-watering rainbow lasagne and lentil ragu for the pasta lovers and finally vegan zillionaire's slice or coconut & raspberry chocolate slice to top it all off. Also, with an extensive gluten free menu, Zizzi's really have gone above and beyond to ensure that their menu caters for everyone. And with 130 of them up and down the UK, you can normally rely on one not being too far away when you need them!

Website: www.zizzi.co.uk
Instagram: @wearezizzi

Be Kind - The Vegan Coffee Caravan - Hayle, Cornwall

'Be kind to the planet, animals and your health' is the motto of the Vegan Coffee Caravan. When starting Hidden UK Gems, this is exactly the kind of place we had in mind and wanted to shine a light on. Great service, fantastic drinks, delicious food and proud of its own little quirks.
The lovingly renovated caravan, which sits in Hayle on the South Quay is 100% vegan and serves up barista coffee, their famous kebab wraps, bagels and sweet treats Wednesday - Sunday 10:15-15:00. Next time you're in Cornwall, make sure you stop by, say hello to Miska & Marek, the owners and take your pick from their carefully prepared food & drink menu, you won't be disappointed!

Website: Be Kind - The Vegan Coffee Caravan Facebook 
Instagram: @bekind.vegan.coffee.caravan

Got No Beef - Cardiff

This 100% vegan, family run restaurant in the heart of Cardiff, was born as a result of their widely successful street food stall – Got No Beef. The sibling founders, Tom, Jacqueline & Hannah spent 3 years taking their stall up and down the country, exhibiting at over 150 events! They now serve up a fantastically varied menu which includes 9 different burgers, a selection of wings and hot dogs, seafood favourites like beer battered cod and shrimp, mouth-watering sides, and desserts to die for. This is certainly one of the most extensive menus featured in this blog and is a place we predict further great success for in the future. Go and check them out!

Website: www.gotnobeef.co.uk
Instagram: @gotnobeefuk

Holy Cow - Edinburgh

From one capital to another, our vegan journey now takes us up to the wonderful city of Edinburgh. With the second cow themed name of the list courtesy of Holy Cow, a fully vegan café which was one of the first of its kind in Edinburgh. Established in 2016, their burgers hold a legendary status amongst the cities vegan community, and it is easy to see why. If the idea of a vegan Quarter Pounder with fresh lettuce, BBQ seasoned kidney bean and soya ground patty, BBQ sauce, tomato, cheese sauce and red onion, with a side of organic hand made chips is making your taste buds stand to attention, Holy Cow is the place for you.

Website: www.holycow.cafe
Instagram: @holycowedinburgh

Eden Cafe - Clifton, Bristol

The word 'Eden' by definition - is a place or state of great happiness; an unspoilt paradise. Those words are rooted in the core of what Eden Cafe, which is located in the abundantly charming Clifton, is all about. Finding inspiration when travelling in Australia, the owners, Jon & Rosie Winter, returned to the UK with a strong love and appreciation of Sydney's magnificent cafe and brunch culture. The result is a wonderful, elegantly designed vegan cafe, in the heart of Clifton, serving delicious food and the finest coffee, Wednesday to Sunday. Clifton is a real gem of the UK, and Eden Cafe is definitely somewhere you need to pay a visit to when you're there!

Website: edencafeclifton.co.uk
Instagram: @edencafeclifton

Bean Social - Durham

The last stop on the vegan train takes us to the great northeast city of Durham. Bean Social is a cool, cosy, independent cafe in the heart of the city. On their menu you will find plenty of your favourites, including, signature burger, pastry roll, warming soups and some seriously tasty sweet treats. They also take great pride in their regularly updated special boards, so you never know what delights you may find when you visit! The staff are friendly and you are sure to be made to feel welcome. Also, don't forget to check out their garden out the back, the perfect place for alfresco coffee and cake. To summarise, great vibes, great drinks, great food. What more could you ask for?

Website: Bean Social Durham Facebook
Instagram: @beansocial

Don't forget, you can check out all of our previous blog posts HERE