If you’re vegan, are taking part in Veganuary this year, or just interested in exploring vegan-friendly eating in the New Forest, this blog is just for you. Over half a million of us take part in Veganuary. The 30-day ‘challenge’ takes place each January to entice meat eaters and buyers of animal products to move over to plant-based eating and living – and it’s a phenomenal hit!
Why choose to be vegan?
46% of people who signed up last year said they did so on a moral stance of wanting to stop the suffering of animals, a further 22% said they did Veganuary for health reasons of eating less fat, more fibre, antioxidants, and fewer calories. And 21% wanted to protect the environment. This is because being vegan for just one month alone saves the planet 125,000 litres of water, 84 square meters of forest and 273 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions.
A top tip for Veganuary
If you’ve not done Veganuary before nor immersed yourself in the joys of eating a plant-based menu, PREPARE for success. Ditch the meat and dairy for plant power in your fridge and cupboards well in advance, so you’re never short of something to eat and fall off the wagon. There are plenty of sources that can help with food shopping. The Vegan Society lists products, brands and supermarket staples. And for inspirational vegan tips, recipes, products and suggestions, take a look at the many vegan influencers and bloggers – we love Everything is Peachy, OH SHE GLOWS and Naturally Sassy.
What about going away on holiday and eating out?
If you’re planning a long weekend or short break away, one of the best aspects of choosing self-catering accommodation is that it gives you the freedom to cook at ‘home’ with fresh, local produce and explore the great range of vegan-friendly options at local cafes, pubs, takeaways and restaurants.
One hot spot for staycations in the UK is the New Forest. The south coast’s National Park is known for its unique wildlife, stunning landscapes and walks, as well as being a real foodie hotspot. You’ll find the area has an excellent line-up of drool-worthy vegan-friendly shops and eateries, making your stay at a New Forest Cottage not only hassle-free but plenty of fun too. So whether you’re a long-time vegan or are new to plant-based eating, enjoy your time in the New Forest on a culinary journey discovering the treasure trove of eateries and New Forest farm shops selling an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce and vegan-friendly products – think fresh fruits and vegetables, plant-based milk and cheeses, and vegan-friendly baked goods.
Vegan-friendly shops and eateries in the New Forest
The team at New Forest Cottages all live locally and have a penchant for vegan and vegetarian food! Here are their top tips for where to shop and eat in the New Forest…
Off Beet at The Retreat, Hinton
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Chef Peter Axworthy is extraordinarily clever. Feast on smile-inducing starters like the delicious smoked carrot ‘Lox’ and rep pepper tartlet, moussaka ravioli or Tacos Dorado before heading into the main course. The Woodland Walk of masterfully cooked mushrooms and fungi is presented in an applewood smoke-filled cloche, and the intricately layered flavours of herb-crusted seitan ‘lamb’ are to die for.
The Naked Pantry and Naked Quench Cafe
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This zero-waste grocery shop and little café in New Milton sell a whole host of vegan-friendly products, plus a line-up of tasty dishes in the cute café – which is a popular haunt for locals and those visiting the area. Their vegan breakfast is legendary, and the café is dog-friendly too!
The Tinkers Daughter
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The Tinkers Daughter in Lymington is a laid-back, informal affair of oh-so-satisfying plant-based café goodness. Expect great cakes and puddings, awesome burgers, bagels, bottles of bubbles, delicious snacks and hearty mains. They are constantly debuting new vegan dishes and offer a takeaway service as well.
Ed Dibbles
If you’re staying in a holiday cottage in Fordingbridge or the north of the New Forest, you’re less than half an hour from the historic cathedral city of Salisbury. Dine on a menu of imaginative fusion creations and vegan dishes from around the world, such as Caribbean Trini doubles, lemongrass bahn mi, Indian Bangla pie, Moroccan bastilla, Mexican Tacos and many more.
Café Thrive
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Café Thrive in Southampton is the perfect pitstop if you fancy a little retail therapy at the city’s huge indoor shopping centre, West Quay, which is a quick twenty-minute drive from the New Forest. Café Thrive serves dynamic and creatively delicious vegan food throughout the day and into the night. Expect burgers, burritos, finger-licking varieties of hotdogs, big bowls of nourishing combos and hard-to-say-no-to sweet treats.
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