Vegetarians and vegans are being encouraged to visit Leicester after a new short break was launched last week.
Leicester Shire Promotions and the Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan Group launched the new short break at the end of National Vegetarian Week. It is thought to be one the first breaks of its kind in the UK and includes a choice of vegetarian and vegan dining experiences, vegan cocktail making, afternoon tea and overnight accommodation in the city centre.
- Members of the Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan group at the launch of the short break. Credit. The Vegetarian Society
With over 60 vegetarian restaurants in Leicester, Amit Gokani, a member of the Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan Group, claims that Leicester is the ‘Veggie Capital of Europe’.
“For a population of approximately 320,000, we probably have the greatest concentration of vegetarian restaurants in Europe. The fact that the word ‘vegan’ was originated from Leicester in 1944 by Donald Watson gives Leicester a great historic past regarding the origins of veganism.” said Amit.
According to the results of a YouGov survey published in 2014, around 20 per cent of British adults have cut back on the amount of meat they eat over the last year, and around one in three people (35 per cent) say they are willing to consider eating less meat.
The short break which costs £129 for two people, includes one night bed and breakfast at the Ramada Encore hotel, and a choice of three vegetarian and vegan friendly experiences from the following five:
A three course vegetarian dining experience at either Shivali on Granby Street or Mirch Masala on Market Street.
A vegan cocktail master-class at 33 Cank Street, a Jazz & Blues cocktail bar in the city centre.
A one to one consultation and product tour at Lush hand made cosmetics on Gallowtree Gate.
Afternoon tea (Non Vegan) at the White Peacock at the bottom of New Walk.
Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, Martin Peters said: “Leicester is justly proud of its diverse population and this is reflected in the city’s various cuisines. With such a proliferation of vegetarian restaurants and vegan/vegetarian-rich menus throughout the city, we’ve developed a short break aimed at providing a real gastronomic choice for vegetarians, vegans and lovers of healthy foods.”
The short breaks can be booked online at: www.stayplayexplore.co.uk/VegetarianVacation2015.aspx
The Leicester Vegetarian and Vegan Group has also produced the ’Veggie Guide to Leicester’, which lists 60-plus vegetarian restaurants across the city. An online version can be viewed at: www.veggieguide.co.uk
