Whether you’ve just completed Veganuary, are a seasoned plant-based foodie or simply veg-curious, Manchester’s vegan options are endless. Despite the fantastic range of choice, in my three years in the city, I’ve managed to sample quite a few options. Here are a few of my favourites.
Purezza
I’ve tried a lot of vegan pizza, and Purezza is up there with the best. Located in the Northern Quarter, the fully vegan restaurant offers not only pizza, but pasta, burgers, sides, dessert and cocktails too. Pizzas are made with a sourdough base, vegan cheese that actually tastes good, and a variety of toppings. If you’re missing meat, the Parmigiana Pizza Party will cure your cravings, else options like the Pesto or Four Seasons pizzas take vegetables to delicious heights.
Eighth Day Veg
Eight Day is a paradise of all things meat-free just a short walk from campus up Oxford Road. Opening in 1970, the workers co-op features a café, deli and refill station, as well as shop stocked with ethical beauty, household and grocery products. The deli section, stocked with a variety of veggie and vegan sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and other goods, is my go-to for a ‘treat myself’ lunch while on campus. If you fancy sitting in, the downstairs café is a cosy corner offering seasonal specials from soups, to salads, to curries. Food aside, it’s also a great place for all things cruelty free, stocking well known vegan makeup, skincare and perfume brands.
Herbivorous
Craving American-style, plant-based comfort food? Herbivorous has you covered. This completely vegan restaurant has a mouth-watering selection of burgers, cheesesteaks, wings and sides that fill any junk food cravings. Meat is replaced with seitan to create some of the best vegan chicken I have ever tried, as well as offering vegan beef too. Find them in their own restaurant in Withington, or serving from everyone’s favourite post-library pit stop, Big Hands, where you can tuck into a burger with a beer and great music.
Mackie Mayor
It took me almost two years to discover Mackie Mayor, and without being dramatic, it has changed my life. The Northern Quarter food hall is situated in a converted market hall that boasts gorgeous interiors, loads of seating and of course, plenty of delicious vegan food. With 9 food vendors available to order from via the QR code on each table, it’s a great place to take non-veg friends or big groups, as there really is something for everyone. Enjoy plant-based nachos and tacos from Pico’s, pizza from Honest Crust, or spicy ramen from New Wave Ramen. All of these great vendors aside, though, Mackie Mayor makes it to my list thanks to Thai vendor Chilli B. There are no words for how delicious the tofu drunken noodles, vegan Pad Thai, or vegan green curry are. Go and try for yourself and thank me later, but be quick, Mackie Mayor always seems to be packed!
Range Desserts
I’m embarrassed to admit how many times I ordered Range Desserts’ vegan waffles during my second year. Hungover? Waffles. Stressed? Waffles. Happy? Waffles. You get the gist. Though my bank balance suffered, they always hit the spot.
Available either via delivery apps or to collect from their Levenshulme store, Range Desserts isn’t entirely vegan, but has an amazing plant-based selection. Think milkshakes, pancakes, cakes, ice cream and, of course, waffles, my go-to being the raspberry and chocolate sauce. It’s worth checking out their Instagram and multiple delivery apps before placing an order, because there’s almost always some discount being offered.
Ice Shack
This is my favourite hidden gem, though soon it won’t be so hidden anymore! Ice shack, a completely vegan ice cream and dessert parlour, was previously located just round the corner from Withington High Street but is currently expanding to the main road. If the old venue is anything to go by, expect cosy, friendly vibes, with plenty of comfy chairs, board games and chatty staff. Of course, the plant-based offerings are fantastic, with a massive range of ever-changing homemade ice cream flavours from fruit sorbets and the classics to some inventive extras like Parma Violets, Victoria Sponge and Apple Pie. You can also opt for an ice cream sundae coated with toppings, a milkshake, or select a homemade cakes and cookies from the display case. Keep this one on your radar for when we finally see the sun again!
Bundobust
This is my most recent discovery and obsessed as an understatement. With two locations to choose from, the Piccadilly restaurant or Oxford Road restaurant and brewery, Bundobust offers Indian street food and craft beer. Everything is vegetarian, with a large proportion of vegan options that are clearly marked. It’s almost small plates style, allowing you to try a variety of flavours at once, useful as you’ll be spoilt for choice! I love how fresh and light, yet filling, the dishes are, and my current fixation is the Chole Saag.