10 vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian restaurants and cafes to try in Lancashire

Finding places that offer vegetarian options can be difficult with vegan alternatives even more so. Recently, McDonald's had to issue an apology to customers after many complained they were unable to purchase vegetarian options at its restaurants.

The fast-food chain usually offers both Veggie Dippers and the Vegetable Deluxe burger however it is currently running a reduced menu due to the coronavirus crisis and its vegetarian options have suffered as a result.

Veggie Dippers have been available in restaurants since June however many have complained that they haven't been able to get their hands on them since June.

Now might be a good time however to start looking at more organic, vegan and vegetarian options locally to not only support businesses through these tough times, but also in light of recent health advice which claims that switching to a plant-based diet could help tackle Covid-19 in more ways than one.

Lancashire has a range of delis, cafes and restaurants that are not only animal friendly, but creative and eco-conscious too.

Here at Lancs Live, we took a look at ten vegetarian and vegan-friendly, plant-based places to eat in Lancashire to try.

The Indian Place - Chorley

The Indian Place is the only 100% vegetarian and vegan street food and curry cafe in Chorley that’s been approved by the Vegetarian Society. It started off as a small stall, in the heart of Chorley with a few cups of traditionally spiced Indian tea with many savoury street food choices to go with it.

All of the 140 items on its menu has been approved and as the restaurant has grown, so has the menu with curries, samosa, biryani, naan breads, chaats and even secret street food recipes that the chefs won't divulge.

The restaurant is currently taking some time off with family however will be open again on October 2.

West End Plant Based Vegan Cantonese Takeaway - Oswaldtwistle

Since it's opening in November in 2019, the West End Plant Based Vegan Cantonese Takeaway has had nothing but good reviews and is described as an "absolute gem" in many reviews. It gained its five star hygiene rating in April of this year and serves everything a regular Cantonese takeaway serves, such as fried rice dishes, chow mein dishes and salt 'n' pepper dishes with substitutes for chicken, duck, fish and prawn.

The takeway has a donation pot for leftover change and tips that it says no matter how hard times may get, it will never dip into it and the proceeds will always be donated to a good cause. Staff were looking for suggestions from customers for what cause the money should go to. To find out more, please visit the Facebook page here.

One Sixty - St James Street, Burnley

You need to keep an eye out for this place as it's easy to walk right past! The name will help you out though as it's called 'One Sixty' after being located at 160 James Street. It's at the site of the former Red Triangle vegetarian cafe.

This place has become a valuable part of the community over the years. Its owners wish to encourage local artists, musicians and students to use One Sixty as a creative space and plenty of artwork can be seen adorning the walls. Its incredibly cosy an includes a log burner for cold, winter evenings.

It was voted ‘Best Place to Eat in Lancashire’ by Lancashire Evening Post readers with everything on the menu and specials menu either vegan or adaptable to vegan apart from the halloumi burger. It has a fabulous cake counter too offering Bakewell Tarts, gooey Chocolate Cake and banana bread. They currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic however endeavour to be back!

Riverside Deli - Barrowford

Ironically, this stylish Vegan & Vegetarian Deli is located on the site of a former abattoir. It sells a variety of fresh foods such as nut roast, cakes, pastries, salads, pasta, wraps, ice-cream, soups and stews. It serves both hot and cold drinks, juices and salad boxes all for take-away. The are also vegan cosmetics for you to buy in the Tropic beauty range along with Tree Tribe clothes and accessories. The deli has recently joined a new Just Eat scheme that will be giving new and existing customers 20% off orders over £15 every single Tuesday. Get ordering now to also enjoy the extra savings!

Whale Tail - Lancaster

Many customers have had a whale of time at this cafe as it's been providing vegetarian and vegan food in Lancaster for over 25 years. It is also very ethically minded and has a Fair Trade policy using locally made bread, local cheese and organic milk.

It provides tasty breakfasts, wholesome lunches, with soups, specials and children’s choices. Staff use gluten free, fresh, seasonal, local produce where possible as well as fair trade and organic ingredients. Home-cooked meals, snacks and cakes can be enjoyed in the cosy comfort of the restaurant or in the pretty, secluded patio garden.

Town House Coffee and Brew Bar - Preston

This double-award winning coffee shop serves and retails Origin Coffee, Birdhouse Tea Co, loose leaf Teas and is excellent at delivering healthier quality breakfast and brunch. They have a great range of veggie and vegan options. The coffee shop is also environmentally-minded and use plant-based takeaway cups, straws and lids. In 2018 it won BIDPreston Independant Business of the Year.

Tahina Plant Kitchen - Rawtenstall

• Newchurch Road

Tahina offer food from the soul and all recipes are a fusion of so many different flavour and spice combinations. They all have their own wonderful little tale of how they came together which is portrayed in the menu. The restaurant's entire vibe offers something different and offers entregue, for the more curious person, and offers comfort for the more traditional - which is the Shawarma Kebab. The response is unreal and has been branded ‘best kebab ever’ which Tahina say you simply have to try to believe.

Its kebabs, mezze boxes, wraps, breads, hummus, and eclectic array of delights has been such a big hit with not only the local community and also with many people travelling making the effort from surrounding towns and cities.

Tahina pride itself in reflecting its journey and ethics in what it does - eating amazingly delicious food at the same time as it being extremely healthy and 100% vegan. The restaurant doesn't preach its ethos to people and firmly believe that it delivers ‘not only food for vegans but food for everyone’. Its main principle is to set alight a new flavour and fusion in Rawtenstall and use the outdoor space to mirror the Mediterranean lifestyle with its hand picked vegan wines and crafted beers from Vocation Brewery. Tahina promises something like nothing else and its plant kitchen is true to the soul and everything what its owners intend for themselves.

RK Dining - Preston

RK Dining are specialists in pure vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine and hand made executive sweets. Its owners invite you to come and try those the tempting street food snacks of India such as Chats, Dhosas, Wada Pav. The menu features also features, tiffin tasters, thalis and south Indian as well as Indo-Chinese food.

The restaurant also caters for parties, weddings, religious functions and corporate events with 100% vegetarian cuisine.

Nest on the Hill - Pendle Hill

Nest on the hill is a small cafe and takeaway with glorious views from Pendle Hill. It offers both meat and vegan options as well as overnight oats, smoothies, vegan pancakes, sweet potato wraps/breakfast burritos.

The cafe is also very eco conscious as their takeaways are in recyclable packaging which composts within 90 days. Definitely one to visit if you're visiting Pendle.

The Herbarium - Lancaster

The Herbarium is a project born out of love for plant-based living, yoga, and the local community.

It owners have creating a vegan establishment with a little bit of home. The Herb is a multifunctional space housed in a historical three-story building in Lancaster with a little bit of something for everyone. There is a hang out, plant-based cafe which serves delicious breakfast and lunch and also a yoga studio, bar, and facilities for events.

"The Herb" as it is affectionately known, is apparently not a finished project and has exciting plans for the coming weeks, months and years.