A study has ranked the top vegan-friendly cities in the UK based on the number of searchers, restaurants, and positive reviews
A new market research study has ranked the best vegan cities in the UK.
SIXT, a mobility service provider, reviewed data on tourist search volume for vegan options and the number of vegetarian restaurants, the number with five-star reviews, and other criteria to determine which UK city is the best place for vegans.
According to SIXT, the top 20 vegan cities are London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bradford, Salford, Birmingham, Brighton, Wolverhampton, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sheffield, Glasgow, Coventry, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Cambridge, Wakefield, Cardiff, and Sunderland. While London topped the list, SIXT noted that the UK’s vegan food scene is “flourishing far beyond the capital.”
Bristol was officially the best spot for vegans outside of London, with at least 50 restaurants scoring 4.5 stars or higher on Google. Edinburgh was found to be the best Scottish city for vegans, while Manchester was named the best northern city. SIXT also praised Salford, Cambridge, and Wakefield, all of which have a good ratio of vegan restaurants to residents and plenty of positive restaurant reviews.
“Wakefield, in North Yorkshire, just outside Leeds, may be a smaller city, but it has made a big impact on this list, ranking as the third best city for vegans per capita,” wrote SIXT. “With 127.88 vegan restaurants per capita, and half of those rated 5 stars or higher, Wakefield is a hidden treasure for plant-based travellers.”
The best vegan cities in the world
SIXT also looked at the best vegan cities in the world. London once again topped the list, followed by New York City in the US, Berlin in Germany, Singapore in Singapore, Vienna in Austria, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Paris in France, Seoul in South Korea, Zurich in Switzerland, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Barcelona, Spain, took 11th place, and is the home of Asanta, a cafe that Happy Cow crowned the single best vegan restaurant in the world for 2025.
Asanta is a fully vegan eatery located in the Sants-Montjuïc district. Its menu includes a range of classic dishes, such as an olive, truffle, shiitake, and mozzarella focaccia; a mozzarella, tomato, olive, and roasted red pepper focaccia; shakshouka, a tomato-poached egg dish from the Greater Maghreb; and the cafe’s “classic” eggs Benedict.
Vegfest Free has been announced as an upcoming food festival in the UK that celebrates and embraces veganism to help consumers of all walks enjoy experiences themed around the lifestyle. The free food festival will take place in Birmingham at the Edbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday, April 25, 2026 and will boast up to 170 vegan-friendly food stalls. The event will also feature more than 30 speakers, live music, family-friendly activities and as many as 64 independent traders, community organizations and small charities.
Image Credit: VegfestUK
Sponsor Heather Mills spoke on the Vegfest Free food festival saying, "Now more than ever, it is time to support each other and work together within the broader vegan community. Vegfest Free presents a unique opportunity to stand alongside independent organisations while introducing thousands of people to the benefits of vegan lifestyles.”
This free vegan exhibition celebrates 80 years of The Vegan Society with immersive displays, family activities and a glimpse into a vegan future
The Vegan Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a major new vegan exhibition in Birmingham, UK. The exhibition, which the society says is the ‘world’s biggest’, lets visitors dive into the history of veganism and explore what the future might hold.
Marking 80 years since the charity’s founding, Veganism: Past, Present and Future is now open at the Library of Birmingham and runs until 23 August. This free, family-friendly exhibition traces the evolution of the vegan movement over the decades, from its wartime roots to today’s growing global presence.
As part of the experience, guests can try on a headset for a free vegan VR experience available every Saturday afternoon. This immersive journey transports visitors into a fully vegan future, with Vegan Society founder Donald Watson as their virtual guide.
The exhibition includes rare items from the society’s archive, including Watson’s original ration book and letters exchanged with George Bernard Shaw. Dr Sam Calvert from The Vegan Society called it a chance to “share our history, current work and future plans with the people of Birmingham and beyond.”
The Future is Vegan: VR experience in Birmingham
One of the most talked-about features of the exhibition is The Future is Vegan campaign, which forms the basis of the vegan VR experience. This new initiative from The Vegan Society invites visitors to explore a future where plant-based living is the norm, not the exception.
The vegan VR experience (available every Saturday from 2 pm to 4.30 pm) is free and open to visitors aged 13 and over. With support from on-site staff, users can immerse themselves in a world where animals are no longer exploited, and issues like deforestation and habitat loss are things of the past.
The campaign aims to spark imagination and action by showing what could be possible if society moves towards a fully vegan future. In the society’s words, it offers “a positive visualisation that helps people envision all of the benefits that would come with a vegan world.”
From environmental impact to ethical choices, The Future Is Vegan encourages us all to consider what comes next and how everyday actions might shape the decades ahead.
Inside the vegan exhibition: what to expect and when to visit
You can find the Veganism: Past, Present and Future exhibition on the third floor of the Library of Birmingham. It’s open from 11 am, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). Entry is completely free, and no booking is required.
Alongside historical artefacts, the exhibition shines a spotlight on Birmingham’s early links to the vegan movement, honouring local figures like the late poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, a well-loved Vegan Society Ambassador.
There’s plenty to engage children too, with interactive displays, a play kitchen, a food facts treasure hunt and lift-the-flap panels designed to make learning about plant-based food fun and accessible. That said, the organisers recommend parental guidance for all children attending this vegan exhibition in Birmingham.
Visitors also have the chance to learn more about the Vegan Trademark, which offers a great starting point for vegan newbies hunting out new plant-based products and peace of mind for vegan veterans who want to know their purchases are cruelty-free.
UK charity The Vegan Society is set to celebrate its 80th year with a new exhibition titled “Veganism: Past, Present and Future”.
Claimed to be the world’s biggest ever vegan exhibition, it will be on display at the Library of Birmingham from May 17 to August 24. It explores the history of veganism, the movement as it is today, and how vegan lifestyles might change in the future.
Visitors will be presented with a range of images, objects, and videos, including items from The Vegan Society’s archive which have not previously been on public display. Among them are the wartime ration book of the first Vegan Society President, Donald Watson, along with a letter exchange between Watson and the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who was a long-term vegetarian.
The exhibition will explore Birmingham’s connections to the vegan movement, including the lives of well-known vegans such as Benjamin Zephaniah who originate from the city. It will also discuss the increasing popularity and benefits of modern-day veganism, looking ahead with The Vegan Society’s latest campaign, The Future Is Vegan.
Image: The Vegan Society on Instagram
Sharing history and future plans
The exhibition is free to attend and suitable for all ages. It will feature activities such as a virtual reality experience showing a vegan future (available on Saturday afternoons between 2 pm and 4:30 pm) and a play kitchen.
The news comes as Libby Peppiatt takes over as the new CEO of The Vegan Society. Peppiatt was previously the CEO of mental health charity Restore.
“We’re delighted to be able to share our history, current work, and future plans with the people of Birmingham and beyond – and honoured to base our exhibition at the prestigious Library of Birmingham, at the centre of the vegan movement,” said The Vegan Society’s Dr Sam Calvert.
From elegant fine dining venues offering authentic Chinese cooking to fast food eateries, the city has it all when it comes to delicious plant-based options
As a large number of people look for ways to make their diet more ethical and sustainable for our planet, veganism has become a growing trend in the UK.
It has especially taken off in Birmingham. As a city known for its growing food scene and popular Michelin starred restaurants, the number of eateries offering plant-based options only continues to rise.
Vegans living in or visiting Brum should have no problem finding somewhere to satisfy their cravings. From Chinese, Japanese and Korean to Indian, Italian, Mexican and traditional British cuisine - there's a whole range of options to choose from in the UK's second city.
Some of them come with opulent surroundings that are ideal for date night, celebrating a birthday, hen-do, anniversary or other special occasion. And others have a cosy atmosphere and a simplified menu, ideal for visitors who are just looking for a quick bite to eat.
Dining out doesn't have to break the bank either, as many of the restaurants have a purse-friendly menu, or special offers customers can take advantage of.
To put this to the test, and provide BirminghamLive readers with a handy guide, we've rounded up some restaurants in the city that are a must-try for vegans. Carry on reading below to find out more.
1. Lulu Wild
Lulu Wild serves vegan traditional Chinese cuisine in the heart of Birmingham(Image: Manisha Bhanot)
A prized gem in the collection of restaurants which call Brindley Place their home, Lulu Wild is an exciting mix of chic cocktail bar meets classy restaurant. Its huge menu takes inspiration from traditional Chinese cuisine, which has a rich history of prioritising freshness and the health benefits of eating well.
Visitors can enjoy their food in an elegant setting with plush seating and ambient lighting. There's also a private dining area with plenty of Instagrammable hot spots; it even has a separate bar and infectious music playing while customers dine, living up to the Lulu Wild name.
The restaurant's offerings mean that those who are on a plant-based diet can still enjoy authentic Chinese cooking without compromising on their lifestyle.
I ordered the pak choi with garlic and stir-fry tender stem broccoli; the vegetables were fresh and crispy and both the dishes had a sweet and tangy taste.
Diners can also order classic bao buns filled with shiitake, shimeji and oyster mushroom in a vegan sauce. There's lotus salad, stir-fry spicy tofu or wui wor vegetables to choose from too, which can be paired with the side dishes like jasmine rice and asparagus with garlic and ginger.
Of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without a drink or two - and the restaurant's cocktail menu includes signatures like the cosmopolitan, mojito, and margarita.
There are also bespoke collections like the Bridge to Enchantment, which feature unique creations such as the Flaming Emperor - a blend of beefeater gin, bergamot and elderflower. Those who want to go alcohol free can order from a mocktails menu.
2. The Botanist
The Botanist is the perfect place for plant-based diners to get a delicious bite to eat(Image: Manisha Bhanot)
Located just around the corner from New Street Station on Temple Street, The Botanist is a cosy haven for food lovers and perfect for dining out, even for customers who are vegan. It also has a second location in the city in Gas Street Basin, offering stunning views of the canal.
The restaurant and bar's neutral interior, brick walls and wooden tables create a casual atmosphere that's perfect for an intimate gathering over good, wholesome food. The venue also has an outside terrace, which is dog-friendly, and live music every weekend to keep visitors entertained.
Those who prefer a mix of different cuisines don't need to look any further than The Botanist, as its menu features a blend of dishes inspired by various countries such as China, Greece and Thailand to name but a few.
Of course, there's lots of plant-based options among the offerings; roasted harissa cauliflower, Asian noodle salad, vegan kofta kebab, vegan cheeseburger, and the buddha bowl are just some of them.
I ordered the vegan katsu curry, which is made from a plant-based schnitzel drizzled with katsu curry sauce, and served on a bed of coconut rice with pickled ginger. The katsu tasted soft and crispy, going perfectly with the gooey sauce and aromatic rice.
Thanks to its on-site bar, The Botanist also features an impressive drinks menu with plenty of vegan-friendly options. The venue's signature cocktails include fruit and plant-infused flavours like the Poppy & Pink Gin Punch, Lilypad Martini, and the Garden Mojitio.
Of course, there are non-alcoholic flavours like the house lemonade, tropical tonic, and rhubarb and blackberry too. I chose the Mind Mojito; a mix of apple and lime juice, strawberry and elderflower cordial, strawberry purée, demerara syrup and mint, topped with soda - it was refreshing and hit just the spot.
3. Giraffe
The eatery's Rebel Vegan takeover menu is great for non-meat eaters(Image: Manisha Bhanot)
Giraffe is conveniently located on the dining terrace in Grand Central, offering Brummies and tourists the chance to get a quick bite to eat before getting their train in New Street Station downstairs. It specialises in comfort dishes from around the globe, many of which have a vegan substitute.
The eatery's main menu includes small plates like prawn gyoza which can be ordered as a plant-based option. For its mains, customers can order the likes of Japanese katsu curry and Thai duck stir fry, both of which can be made vegan by swapping to a Quorn alternative.
Giraffe's California burger can also be switched to a Quorn patty, and the classic cheeseburger can be made with a Moving Mountains vegan patty instead.
But my favourite part of Giraffe's offerings is its Rebel Vegan takeover menu, which collaborates with popular brands known for their plant-based products, including Quorn and Moving Mountains, as well as Beyond and Applewood.
I ordered the Moving Mountains hot dog, topped with diced onion and sliced gherkins, coated with French’s American Mustard and Heinz tomato ketchup, served between a brioche roll. It was bigger than I expected - and it definitely satisfied my fast food cravings.
For my side, I had the loaded spicy dirty fries, which come with Applewood cheese and Carolina Reaper sauce, with a sprinkle of jalapeños and crushed chilli flakes. I opted for the potato waffles instead of regular chips, which were crispy and soft but certainly very hot and tangy.
Giraffe also serves smoothies which are completely vegan and blended with apple juice. Customers can choose from flavours like strawberry and banana, passion fruit, pineapple and mango, kale mango and spinach, as well as ginger, blueberry, carrot, banana and courgette - perfect for cooling down on a hot summer's day.
4. Indico
Indico in The Mailbox specialises in Punjabi cuisine(Image: Manisha Bhanot)
Tucked away inside The Mailbox, Indico is a haven for spice lovers. After all, Birmingham is famous for its trending curry scene.
Luckily, since many of the dishes are already plant-based, Indian cooking and veganism go hand-in-hand. And food fanatics who visit the restaurant won't be disappointed, as they'll be able to get a taste of everything ranging from pani puri to paturas and naan.
The walls of the eatery are decorated with framed film posters from the golden age of Indian cinema, including of blockbusters like Mother India, Barsaat, and Don.There are even real-life portraits of Indian locals above the bar area, and poems that pay tribute to the country's street-side stall owners by praising their hard work ethic.
True to the taste of the Indian state of Punjab, which the restaurant's menu is inspired by, each dish is created with an authentic blend of spices.
I ordered the Punjabi choley; chickpeas boiled in a masala and onion sauce, which were rich with flavour, instantly transporting me to the streets of north India.
For my sides, I had the crispy plain fries and tandoori roti, which gets its name from the traditional tandoor oven the flat bread is made in. I also tried the vegetable biryani which was delicious, and came served in a painted earthen pot alongside fresh salad.
The restaurant's drinks menu is inspired by India too, and customers can order house cocktails like the Full Moon, which is a mix of passion fruit, mango and citrus with elderflower gin; or the Monsoon Season, made up of blending turmeric, mango, lime and Indian spiced rum.
The mocktails menu is equally as impressive, featuring names like the D&T - a twist on Darjeeling tea with added lemon grass, tart lemon and sweet elderflower.
5. Bill's
The restaurant offers all day vegan breakfasts(Image: Manisha Bhanot)
Bill's is a British restaurant and bar chain tucked away in the Bullring. It gives locals and those visiting from further afield the ideal spot to grab a lazy lunch after a day of shopping.
The restaurant also has fantastic panoramic views of the city, which is great for people watching. Inside, customers can find leafy plants, comfy leather seating and overhanging lamps, making for a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.
Vegans dining at Bill's will be spoiled for choice; its all-day breakfasts are a hit with customers - and they're healthy too. Visitors can choose from the likes of apple, maple and cinnamon porridge, avocado on sourdough, Korean fried cauliflower, vegan shawarma, and even a plant-based chocolate and salted caramel tart, to name but a few of the options.
I opted for the Plant Plate, Bill's take on a full English, which comes with scrambled OGGS, vegan bacon and sausage, fried potatoes, baked beans, toast, roasted plum tomatoes, and mushrooms. It's served with spicy sriracha sauce.
I've always been a fan of plant-based scrambled eggs and these didn't disappoint. I was definitely able to taste the 'eggy' flavour, and the vegan sausage and bacon also tasted succulent and crispy as meat-free alternatives. Overall, the dish was a great way to start my day.
