Not A Nutter

Found myself in Portsmouth and in need of coffee

The only cafe I knew of closed up shop a few years ago, which is how I eventually ended up at Hunter Gatherer in Albert Rd Southsea.

A speciality coffee shop for those that take their coffee seriously and know about these things. But it was the unassuming lemon drizzle cake that did it for me. Something so simple, done just right.

We also had the matcha green tea cake which was interesting.

Interesting enough to ask about and help myself to a cheese and leek ‘soos’ roll. That is when the penny dropped and I realised Hunter Gaterer also specialise in plant based food. Which if their cake is anything to go by deserves another look.

Shari and Andrew searched for handmade artisan vegan biscuits as they like dunking biscuits in their coffee. Yet they never found a good selection and always ended up making their own.

Having always dreamed of setting up a small business, but never quite found the time to do it, when lockdown happened in 2020, despite their own challenges, they did the research and experimented. In doing so they found a little corner of the vegan market in need of some love.

They set about setting up VeganDunk to create indulgent biscuits without all the nasty extras. Using simple ingredients, organic where possible and with no additives or preservatives. Their biscuits are as homemade as they come. Some may even say a little rustic 😉

They also want to ensure their biscuits arrive as fresh as possible and decided to try the impossible. To send their biscuits out in letterbox friendly parcels. An idea that took a very long time to set up as they had to work out the perfect size box and biscuit fit. In the end a solution was found and you can now get your biscuits delivered even if you’re not in – keeping them as fresh as possible.

Tucked away inside Brighton’s Open Market is Smorl’s Kitchen. Understated, unpretentious and under the radar (not for long). Owned by siblings Christian and Sarah, The totally vegan menu at Smorl’s Kitchen is dedicated to all things chickpea. From delicious pitta’s filled with earthy homemade falafel to huge salad bowls filled to the brim with goodness. Try their warming spicy falafel-based Bolognese, served with oven-roasted Hasselback sweet potatoes? Or their seasonal Waffalafel?

Chichester’s original vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant can be found at the far end of North Street.

Offering homemade and freshly prepared hot lunches they are strictly vegetarian and allergy friendly. With celiac, dairy and nut free menu options.

As well as lots of delicious vegan dishes, hot soups and cool crisp salads.

There is a walled garden and patio for those perfect summer days where dogs are also welcome.

No better excuse needed to try the cakes and pastries with a refreshing Elderflower Press on a good day.

Jumon

This little restaurant in Lyme Regis is in a class of its own.

They offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes with a Spanish, French and North African influence.

Artfully prepared and presented, whatever you choose will taste as good as if not better than it looks.

Everything is made in-house with love and care by the Chief Chef Mark and their Brilliant Baker Jane. Offering delicious, wholesome food using the best locally sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible.

There is also a Deli stocked with a selection of savouries, sweets, sauces and salads as well as a large range of vegetarian and vegan whole foods to eat at home or take away as gifts.

Described as dishing up Drool-Worthy Junk Food, the Vegan Kitchen is run by a young couple passionate about food and flavours.

 

Street food which is locally sourced, freshly prepared and lovingly made, all in-house. Fresh home cooked food that is bursting with flavour and tastes delicious. Mouthwatering burgers, wings and hot dogs made from sunflower seeds and smoked to perfection.

Plenty of choices. If not their cheesy hot dawg topped with CheeZe sauce, BBQ sauce and THIS isn’t bacon bits, all in a brioche roll is fast food as it is meant to be and which has to be tried.

If not, there are a dozen different burgers to choose from. A spicy ‘Tornado Funguy’ – crispy shroom on a toasted brioche bun with melted CheeZe, homemade tornado sauce, tortilla chips, mayo, shredded lettuce, purple slaw and fresh chillies. Or ‘Smokin Jammin’ New Kid’- a meatless patty on a toasted brioche bun served with smoked melted CheeZe, THIS isn’t bacon slices, caramelised onion, chilli jam, baconnaise and shredded lettuce.

Everything screaming flavour, filthy homemade vegan street food at its finest.

A short walk from Parade Garden in Bath will take you to Green Rocket for good coffee and the best cakes in Bath in a relaxed informal setting.

Family friendly offering both indoor and outdoor seating it is a perfect place to kick back and watch the world stroll by. A proudly independent vegetarian cafe which is run by enthusiasts who have a real passion for fresh and vibrant food.

From celeriac fritters with dill and tarragon remoulade to the ubiquitous burger and chips and their Big Breakfast offering

Offering an extensive menu, mostly vegan, serving lunch, evening supper, light bites, sweet treats and breakfast. As well as and a selection of organic drinks.

Lunch at Luckes Cafe in North St Chichester is not only colourful, it looks horribly healthy.

There is something for everyone. From meat lovers to Vegetarians and Vegans, with lots of delicious gluten and dairy free options.

Order delicious salad bowls, hot lunches, soups, and toasted panini.

Raw, organic, cold pressed juices and freshly blended superfood smoothies using handmade nut mylks.

As well as organic coffees, artisan teas and home baked award winning cake.