Month: October 2024

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.