What is the vegan capital of the UK?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent studies suggest that Brighton is the official vegan capital of the UK, boasting the highest number of vegan restaurants and takeaways per capita. However, the title is often debated, with cities like Manchester and Bristol also fiercely competing for the top spot with their impressive plant-based credentials.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the UK's most vegan-friendly cities, focusing on Brighton, Manchester, and Bristol. This article compares their plant-based restaurant scenes, events, and overall appeal for vegans and flexitarians.

Key Points

Brighton ranks first: Several studies name Brighton the vegan capital of the UK based on its high number of vegan restaurants and takeaways per 100,000 people.
Manchester is a strong contender: Manchester consistently ranks second, featuring a rapidly expanding and vibrant vegan food scene.
Bristol boasts high engagement: Bristol exhibits the highest per-person search volume for vegan restaurants and a strong, eco-conscious plant-based culture.
London offers variety: Despite a lower per-capita ranking, London has the highest total number of vegan restaurants and takeaways, providing immense choice.
UK veganism is growing: Across the UK, cities are embracing veganism, with a significant increase in demand for plant-based food options.
The vegan scene is diverse: The vegan movement extends beyond restaurants, with supermarkets, events, and community projects expanding nationwide.

Brighton: The official vegan capital of the UK

Brighton is frequently identified as the UK's leading city for vegans. Research, such as that by LNER, has positioned the coastal city at the forefront, citing its high concentration of plant-based eateries. HappyCow indicates that Brighton hosts over 240 establishments friendly to vegans and vegetarians. Beyond the number of options, the quality is also high, with renowned places like Terre à Terre and Purezza.

Brighton's commitment to progressive values extends to its food sustainability efforts, being the first UK city to achieve Gold Sustainable Food Status. The city also supports its vegan community through various events, such as Vegfest UK.

The Manchester movement

Manchester is often considered the second most vegan-friendly city in the UK, experiencing rapid growth in its vegan sector. The city has seen a significant increase in demand, with Google searches for vegan eateries rising sharply. Manchester's city centre provides a wide array of choices, from dedicated vegan restaurants to options in general establishments. Popular locations include the Corn Exchange and places like Fuel Cafe Bar and Mowgli Street Food. A strong sense of community is present, supported by local food festivals and workshops.

Bristol's bustling plant-based culture

Bristol is a strong contender for the title, known for its vibrant food culture and focus on environmental consciousness. It has even been named the most vegan-friendly UK city in some previous analyses. Bristol recorded the highest per-person monthly search volume for vegan restaurants in one study. Offerings range from innovative comfort food at Oowee Vegan to artisan goods at Herbivore deli. St. Nicholas Market is another popular spot for vegan options.

The best vegan cities: a comparison


Feature	Brighton	Manchester	Bristol
Vegan Eateries (per capita)	Highest in UK	Excellent, rapidly growing	Very strong, historic presence
Overall Score (LNER 2024)	86.9	64.9	59.9
Search Popularity	High local search demand	Significant search surge since 2021	Highest per-person search volume
Notable Establishments	Purezza, Terre à Terre, Happy Maki	Mowgli, Fuel Cafe Bar, Purezza	Oowee Vegan, Herbivore, St. Nicholas Market
Unique Cultural Aspect	Long-standing progressive city, Gold Sustainable Food Status	Strong sense of community, frequent events	Highest per-person search volume, vibrant market scene

A broader look at the UK's vegan landscape

Beyond the leading cities, others across the UK also have significant vegan scenes. Edinburgh is notable for its increased search demand and events like the Scottish Vegan Festival. London, while not leading per capita, has the greatest total number of vegan restaurants. Cities like Glasgow, York, Liverpool, and Cardiff also rank highly for vegan friendliness. The UK overall is recognized as a top country for vegan food, with widespread availability in supermarkets and major chains.

Conclusion: Brighton's triumph

Based on the density of vegan establishments, Brighton is consistently ranked as the vegan capital of the UK. It provides a concentrated and varied vegan experience. Manchester and Bristol also offer excellent plant-based options, each with its own character. For a highly concentrated vegan experience, Brighton is a top choice. The growth of veganism throughout the UK ensures that plant-based food is increasingly accessible nationwide. Further statistics can be found from The Vegan Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brighton is widely considered the vegan capital of the UK due to its very high number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and takeaways per capita.

While London has the highest total number of vegan eateries, Brighton offers a more concentrated and vibrant vegan scene relative to its smaller size, making it the better choice on a per-capita basis.

Brighton has a long history as a progressive and environmentally conscious city. This cultural foundation, combined with a high density of plant-based events and innovative restaurants, has fostered its thriving vegan community.

Bristol is a strong contender with a highly engaged vegan community and a buzzing food scene. It has shown a very high per-person search volume for vegan restaurants, indicating strong local interest, although it typically ranks just behind Brighton in overall studies.

Yes, veganism is growing nationwide. Cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Leeds have robust vegan scenes, and most UK supermarkets and major restaurant chains now offer a wide variety of plant-based options.

Brighton's vegan food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from gourmet, fine-dining at Terre à Terre to casual plant-based junk food, pizza, sushi, and Asian-inspired cuisine at various restaurants and takeaways.

According to one study, the main motivations for UK residents to go vegan include animal welfare concerns, environmental reasons, and personal health benefits.