For those following a plant-based diet, navigating a city's culinary scene can be a challenge. While many urban centres offer a variety of cuisines, finding the true hotspots for vegan dining requires deeper insight. A new comprehensive study has now identified the UK's leading city for vegans, with a surprising result dethroning the long-standing favourite.
The New Vegan Capital Revealed
Research conducted by catering supply experts Alliance Online has analysed Tripadvisor availability and Google search data to map the nation's best destinations for plant-based eaters. The findings have overturned the common perception, awarding the top spot to Edinburgh.
The Scottish capital achieved a near-perfect vegan-friendly score of 99.8 out of 100. This was bolstered by an impressive density of options, boasting 132 restaurants with vegan choices per 100,000 residents. The city's commitment was further highlighted by its landmark decision in 2023 to become the first European capital to sign the Plant-Based Treaty.
How the Top Ten Stack Up
Manchester secured a strong second place, offering 99 vegan-option restaurants per 100,000 people. The city is celebrated for its diverse scene, ranging from upscale plant-based bistros to a vibrant vegan street food culture.
The former title-holder, Bristol, ranked third in the study. Despite being unseated, it generated the highest national interest with 3,913 related searches. It provides 88 vegan-friendly restaurants per 100,000 people, scoring 79 overall.
The full list of the UK's top ten most vegan-friendly cities is:
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Brighton and Hove
- Cardiff
- Plymouth
- London
Commitment Beyond the Restaurant Scene
Edinburgh's rise is underpinned by formal policy support. By endorsing the Plant-Based Treaty, the council pledged to promote plant-based food systems over animal products. This move followed the earlier adoption of the treaty by Haywards Heath Town Council in West Sussex in 2021.
Council Leader Cammy Day stated the endorsement expressed support for a global companion treaty to the Paris Agreement on climate. A council report at the time clearly linked dietary change to environmental targets, stating: 'Overall, the science is clear: Meat and dairy consumption must reduce to achieve climate targets.'
For vegans looking beyond the UK, The Vegan Society's latest report suggests New Zealand leads globally per capita, with 344.81 vegan dining options per million people. However, for those seeking a thriving plant-based scene closer to home, Edinburgh's crown appears firmly secured for now.
