Kelly's Top Tips for Eating out in and around Swadlincote this Veganuary

Thursday 28 Dec 2017 by Sticky Beak
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The campaign to encourage people to try vegan in January is now in its fifth year, and is all set to be bigger than ever with Veganuary predicting more than 150,000 people will go vegan for the month. Last year, there were 60,000 registered participants from 172 countries, and one local supporter is Swadlincote’s Kelly Knight.

‘A friend of mine said he was going to try vegan for a month last November as a personal challenge and, although I wasn’t sure I could do it, I did some research about health and meal options but then I came across a documentary called Cowspiracy, and that’s when I realised that what we eat has a far bigger impact on the planet than I had considered. It changed everything.’

Kelly, who is a keen runner and races competitively says that initial vegan month set her on track to a healthier future. ‘I have better nutrition knowledge now and I am 100% confident in my diet and what I am putting in my body. My body recovers better than ever after training too. But as well as all the physical benefits I feel that researching this topic has made me more accommodating of others, more understanding of animals and how we view them. The perspective of the food on my plate has changed.’

And she found the food was pretty good, too! To help anyone else thinking about taking part in Veganuary, she has named her favourite restaurants that serve the best plant-based foods.

Fuel, Ashby. ‘They have a small team of people, but an amazing and flexible menu, they’ll change any meal for you,’
Carnero Lounge, Derby. They have a huge vegan menu and it’s delicious, probably my favourite place in Derby!!’
Kedleston Country House, Derby. ‘Although they do not have any vegan options on the menu, I have attended champagne breakfast a few times in the past year and they have made every effort to create a great vegan selection, and the staff are lovely.’
Vines, Ashby. ‘There are some really good vegan options on this menu - so tasty!’
The Wollaton, Nottingham. ‘I love this place. I have visited a few times, and when I tell the waiting staff I am vegan, they ALWAYS say, no problem, disappear and speak to the chef and come out holding a hand written piece of paper with a whole host of vegan starters, mains and desserts and I kid you not, my friends always get food envy and most of the time choose a vegan option as well.’
Zizzi, Derby. ‘Any Zizzi really, because they have a vegan menu, which is big!!! Not just a couple of options on the mains, but the full blown deal!’
Annie Burger Shack, Nottingham. ‘Literally every burger combination you can think of and every one they can make You will be leaving so so full, as it is just too tasty not to clear the plate!!’
Alley Café, Nottingham, ‘A cute little quirky café in the centre of Nottingham that is purely vegan, recommended by a close friend I made through veganism, the food is fantastic here, a must try!’

Says Veganuary CEO Simon Winch: ‘Kelly’s top tips for eating out around Swadlincote look amazing, and indicate the extraordinary range of plant-based options that are available on high streets all over the country. Most people take part in Veganuary because they have concerns over the way animals are farmed and slaughtered, but thousands more take part for their health or because they want to reduce their environmental impact. These are all excellent reasons, and everyone is welcome! But no matter what prompts someone to try vegan, good food is really important, and those taking part in Veganuary will soon find out that they do not need to compromise on great flavours, and nor will they struggle to eat out with friends. And, thanks to Kelly we know exactly where we’ll be eating out next time we’re in Derbyshire!’

It is free to take part in Veganuary, and everyone who does so receives daily support emails that offer shopping lists, an eating out guide, nutrition advice, recipes, meal plans, and answers to common questions. They also receive social media support in a closed Facebook group where they can connect with other participants, and a free celebrity e-cookbook. There are competitions with great prizes and special offers throughout the month.

Kelly says that becoming vegan was ‘the best decision I ever made’ and that she wishes she had done it sooner. Her advice for anyone thinking about taking part in Veganuary is to do it. ‘Watch some documentaries like Cowspiracy, Forks over Knives, What the Health (all on Netflix) and follow some people on YouTube – James Aspey is inspirational. Read books like The China Study, which is really interesting and use all the resources on the Veganuary website. There is so much information out there - but enjoy it, too!’