Unlike in the distant past, informing your fellow guests these days that you are vegetarian or even vegan usually doesn’t elicit any eyebrow-raising.
In fact, you’re more likely to get a few of them to agree that they are non-meat and/or dairy eaters too. To this extent, there are a wealth of restaurants catering for plant-based eaters only.
And it’s not just restaurants, according to animal rights campaigners @peta: “KFC, Pizza Hut… and so many other fast-food and fast-casual restaurant chains found success in 2020 after adding vegan options… McDonald’s is already testing a new McPlant line of products.”
Meanwhile, here are a few of our favourite vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:
The Forge Hammer and River Spice
Located at Lower Lydbrook in the Wye Valley, the Forge Hammer is the pub part of this impressive set-up (complete with cask-conditioned ales) and River Spice is the catering arm. There’s also a micro-brewery to add to the mix.
As well as a standard offering, the restaurant also offers an individual vegan-only menu. This consists of typical Indian curry delights, such as Bhuna, Rogan Josh and Madras, as well as a host of side dishes to choose from.
The Speech House Hotel
This former 17th-century hunting lodge, located in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean is a tranquil haven, surrounded by woodland.
Today, it’s a lovely hotel with a restaurant offering an impressive vegan menu. Choose from starters such as Perl Las Rarebit (black grape chutney on toasted sour bread) and Goat’s Cheese Mousse. Mains include Mushroom, Spinach and Truffle Oil pie served with creamy mash and roasted root vegetables or the likes of Sun Blushed Tomato and Chickpea Burger paired with red onion chutney and sweet potato fries.
Kings Head Hotel and Restaurant
Located in the small market town of Ross on Wye, the 14th-century Kings Head was a former coaching inn. It is full of old oak beams and open fires, providing a lovely cosy atmosphere.
Choose from Local Asparagus Bruschetta served with goat’s cheese and pesto to start and Mediterranean Vegetable Gnocchi accompanied by black olives, charred courgette and peppers, pesto and rocket for a main. For dessert, there is a whole range of delicious sorbets on hand.
Fountain Inn and Lodge
Sitting in the peaceful village of Parkend, and more than two centuries old, the Fountain Inn catering team are happy to cater for any special dietary requirements, including gluten-free, in addition to vegan and vegetarian.
A popular starter is Spiced Sweetcorn Fritters alongside salad Leaves and homemade tomato salsa. Follow this with, for instance, the lovely Moroccan Tagine with spiced butternut squash, cranberry, red pepper and red onion – served with rice. There’s a vegan ice cream option for dessert.
The Red Hart Inn
Offering a traditional pub menu with many dietary pointers, diners can choose from Jumbo Veggie Spring Rolls with sweet chilli dip for starters. You can then go on to enjoy the Roast Cauliflower and Butternut Curry served with basmati rice and a poppadom.
Desserts here include the popular vegan chocolate brownie and special cream.
