Taking part in Veganuary 2026 and need some foodie inspiration for January and beyond? We asked Sue Makin, Chester resident and Veganuary participant, to share her recommendations for eating out in the city.
Sue Makin has taken part in Veganuary every year since 2017 and found that eating a plant-based diet has healed the painful arthritis she once had in her hands. For this reason and because she wants to cause no harm to animals, she says she would never go back.
Here are her go-to spots!
1. Fika+ (Grosvenor Park)
Fïka+ in Chester’s Grosvenor Park is a must-try. Some of the park overlooks the beautiful River Dee and Chester Meadows, and if you are lucky you may spot an otter or kingfisher by the river even though it runs through the city.
Fika+ is open seven days a week, serving food from 9am-3pm, serving breakfasts, sandwiches, light meals and fresh pastries.
There is even a menu for dogs with free treats available on the countertop in exchange for a cuddle. I took home the cardamom bun and the apple bread and butter pudding. Both were lovely but the pud was our fave.
2. The Pink Lettuce (Chester Rows)
Situated on the ancient and unique Chester Rows, The Pink Lettuce is another fully vegan outlet and has a wide range of options to suit every taste.
From burgers to Thai green curry, and mushroom steaks to superfood bowls, every dish is carefully prepared.
With desserts like sticky toffee pudding, Millionaire’s chocolate caramel tart and topped Belgian waffles, it is no surprise that The Pink Lettuce is much loved and consistently gets rave reviews.
3. Shrub (Chester Rows)
Also on the historic Chester Rows is Shrub, which specialises in cocktails and tapas-style meals but is famous among local vegans for its outstanding vegan Sunday roasts.
Among the tapas options are Padron peppers, artichoke wings, celeriac steak and brussels sprouts with gochujang vinaigrette, but you can also enjoy a burger and fancy fries if you are looking for something more substantial.
4. Vegan House Foods (Chester Market)
Sasha, the owner of Vegan House Foods, situated in the new and stylish Chester Market was the first vegan food provider in Chester. He started in pop-ups and occasional outdoor markets before opening this temple of comfort foods.
The dishes are delicious and generous and include doner kebabs, falafel, vegan fish and chips, burgers, dirty fries, and even a roast dinner. The market has many food providers and lots of seating so go along and check out this much-loved eatery.
5. The Jaunty Goat (Bridge Street and Northgate Street)
The Jaunty Goat has two eateries in Chester, which are almost entirely vegan with a few vegetarian choices, too.
It serves breakfast and brunch, and a wide range of delicious vegan pastries and bakery items, including Danish pastries, Victoria sponge, and coffee, date and walnut cake. So hard to choose!
I went along for breakfast and had their oat pancakes with apple, date syrup and yogurt topping. It was lovely and their coffee is, I think, the very best in Chester.
Now you know where to eat vegan in Chester, check out our local guides to Manchester, Exeter and London too.
