Food groups to follow in Manchester
When it comes to taking climate action, thinking about where our food comes from and making more informed decisions about the kind of food we eat can make a huge difference to our carbon footprints.
Did you know that global livestock is responsible for 14.5% of all greenhouse gasses* (FAO, 2013) and that diets high in plant protein, and low in meat and dairy, result in much lower greenhouse gas emissions?**. Plus, the costs of shipping and packaging food all over the globe are having a hugely negative impact on the environment.
This is why it’s more important than ever that we consider exploring veggie and vegan food options more often, and support local food production wherever possible. Thankfully, Manchester is home to an ever-growing variety of cafes, grocery shops, restaurants and growing spots that provide lots of locally sourced, healthy and planet friendly goodies for you to tuck into. Read on for our some of our top picks in the world of veggie and vegan delights…
* FAO, 2013
** IPCC, 2022
Plot-to-Plate Delights
Platt Fields Market Garden
Based in Fallowfield, Platt Fields Market Garden is a buzzing hive of green growing goodness. After being taken over by a small team of dedicated growers a few years ago, this plot of land has been transformed into an amazing community hub which provides fresh, seasonal food and the opportunity for visitors to learn more about where our food comes from and why local is always better! The garden is now equipped with café facilities and hosts regular food events with guest cooks throughout the year – if you’re a food lover, there’s always something great happening here. Check them out in Instagram here.
Unicorn Grocery
If fresh ingredients are your thing, Unicorn Grocery is the place to be. Based in Chorlton, Unicorn Grocery has long been established as one of the most sustainable shopping experiences you can have in Manchester, priding themselves on providing the best, locally sourced produce around and with little to no packaging where possible. Interested? Head here to learn more about them.
Vegan and Veggie Vibes
Wholesome Junkies
If you think vegan food is boring, Wholesome Junkies is here to prove you wrong. Located near to Victoria Station, this all-vegan menu of indulgent delights – from corndogs, to smokey burgers and truffle gyozas – has all the plant based treats your heart desires. If you’re new to vegan food or on the hunt for more local vegan options, this is a great one to try and it’ll be sure to open your eyes to the delicious possibilities of a vegan lifestyle. Learn more about them via Instagram.
Bundobust
A city centre staple, Bundobust is an Indian street food restaurant with a menu that’s bursting full of incredible plant-powered small plates. Either of their two central locations are a great spot for a date night, or a group get together, and their variety of flavours means there’s something for everyone. They also use entirely recycled cutlery and plates to keep their carbon footprint low, and brew their own beer on site – what’s not to love?
Purezza
Talk about plant based pioneers! Purezza, based in the Northern Quarter, are known for providing the best vegan pizza you’re ever likely to find. Since being founded in 2015, the restaurant has quickly gone on to win a host of awards including the National Pizza of the Year in 2018, and best pizza at the World Pizza Championships in 2019, becoming the first vegan pizza to do so. There’s lots going on behind the scenes too, as they champion local partners, provide an entirely vegan menu, turn used cooking oils into bio-diesel, and ensure that absolutely no food ends up in the bin through their zero landfill initiative. Head here to learn more about their sustainability initiatives and delicious menu!
Eighth Day Café
Tucked away underneath Eighth Day, a veggie and vegan shop located on Oxford Road, this cosy little café is a great spot for a light bite and a coffee, and it has loads of vegan sweet treat options from cakes to crumbles. It’s also a great spot to pick up some of your own sustainable or locally sourced produce to take home with you too! To browse their menus or find out more about their sustainability initiatives, head here.
GROW Café
Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) first meat-free café, GROW is a great spot for students who are looking to explore more veggie and vegan options, based in the North Atrium of MMU’s Business School. From bagels to soups, sweet cakes and coffees, GROW’s a real treat to have on campus for those looking to embrace a veggie-filled student life. Head here to learn more about MetMUnch.
Food Waste Warriors
Open Kitchen MCR
Based primarily at their café space at the People’s History Museum near Deansgate, Open Kitchen pride themselves on making sure no leftover is left behind. Touted as Manchester’s “leading sustainable catering company”, the Open Kitchen team work with a range of businesses to save food from ending up in the bin, and they work alongside lots of local suppliers to cut down carbon emissions when sourcing fresh produce. What’s more, their profits also go towards providing food and supplying meals for people struggling with food insecurity across Greater Manchester. Go here to learn more about Open Kitchen.
Cracking Good Food
For over ten years now, Cracking Good Food have been working all over Manchester to help alleviate food and fuel poverty, and increase food sustainability by supporting people to cook seasonal and nutritious food from scratch. The group delivers a wide variety of accessible cooking and training courses to help people cook more sustainably, teaching the value of good food and minimising food waste. They also provide catering services, restaurant takeovers and foraging sessions! Head here to find out more about Cracking Good Food and the services they offer.
Food Influencers
Social media is a fantastic place to learn about different types of food, discover delicious recipes, and teach yourself some new skills to show off in the kitchen. We’ve put together this short list of local foodie social accounts and influencers that you can follow to help you on your food journeys:
Can you think of a veggie, vegan or plant-based group or local spot that you think should be included in this blog? Feel free to email us at inournature@hubbub.org.uk to let us know!
