Spinach Salad Spinach Salad

Fresh spinach, crisp bacon, sliced mushrooms, and boiled eggs, dressed with tangy vinaigrette.

Alkaline Kitchen

Alkaline Kitchen

➤ 15 Albert Rd, Middlesbrough, England, TS1 1PQ, United Kingdom

Kebab • Pizza • Coffee • Healthy


"We started with the Alkaline Nachos (£10.95), which featured nachos topped with marinated baked quinoa, fried beans, cashew cream, guacamole, pineapple salsa, and pickled red cabbage. The dish was drizzled with smoked cashew cheese. They were delightful, sweeter than any nachos I had before, and had a nice tangy twist. Next, we tried the BBQ Tacos (£9.50), which included shredded carrot in an alkaline BBQ sauce served in a crispy corn shell filled with fried beans and guacamole, along with pineapple salsa and pickled red cabbage, accompanied by a side salad. These were hands down the best BBQ tacos I've had in the north. The Thai Buddy Bowl (£10.95) was another standout dish. It featured orange teriyaki chickpea tofu, surrounded by pineapple "fried" quinoa, purple coleslaw, a Thai side salad with almond and ginger dressing, and quinoa falafels with mango chutney. The blend of flavors was incredible, and this was my favorite dish—something I could happily eat several times a week. I plan to return just for this dish! We also tried the Thai Wrap (£9.95), which contained quinoa and drippy butter falafels wrapped in a soft tortilla with mango chutney, coleslaw, and kimchi—served with a Thai side salad, almond and ginger dressing, and pineapple quinoa. The combination of ingredients in this falafel wrap was unexpected but fantastic. Once again, it was sweeter than I had anticipated. For dessert, we enjoyed the Pink Pitaya Acai Bowl (£5.50), a fruity and smooth blend with celestial blueberries, bananas, kiwi, and coconut—perfect for breakfast! It was a real power breakfast. We paired our meal with Immunity Boost Juice (£4.00 each) made from strawberry, pear, apple, and lemon juice—it was refreshing and invigorating. The Tropical Sunrise Smoothie (£4.50) blended papaya, mango, orange, banana, coconut, maple, and cashew, maintaining the unique flavors of each fruit beautifully. Lastly, we had the Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie (£4.50), featuring strawberries, banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, and lemon balm. It might sound odd, but it worked perfectly— the earthy peanut butter provided a lovely texture and taste that complemented the sweetness of the fruit. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that was well worth the wait."

The Groundworks

The Groundworks

➤ 1 Churchyard, Hitchin, SG51HR, SG5 1HR, United Kingdom

Cafés • Venues • British • European


"Lovely atmosphere killed off by fairly brusque manner of staff dealing with vegan diner. We ordered the veggie breakfast it said a vegan alternative was available so we went for that. But vegan alternative, much to our surprise, meant: not buttering the toast, cooking the mushrooms dry without any butter/oil, and a space on the plate for where the egg should be. And the biggest surprise the same price as the veggie breakfast, at £13. Ideally vegan alternative should mean replacement but respecting the tough economical climate we are in, I understand why a like for like replacement could be costly but in this day and age, surely an extra half tomato wouldn’t be too much to ask and would cost considerably less than a couple of eggs). Catering for vegan diners should be something that shouldn’t phase a 2023 cafe. That the chefs didn’t think to use a vegan spread alternative there are SO many varieties now that it shouldn’t be hard, and they are beautifully tasting just like butter) a decent chef should be able to rise to the challenge spoilers it’s not that hard). For me it was a bit of warning sign that they couldn’t master the basics. It shouldn’t be hard being a vegan in 2023 as someone who does this for the planet, but also as someone who is dairy intolerant). But if more restaurants were to treat customers like this we’d be in trouble. I think it’s fair to act with our feet and as much as we want to support a local business, to sadly take our custom elsewhere. A customer shouldn’t be made to feel short changed after a meal. It was a rather dry without spread or butter, feedback I shared with the staff “oh sorry about that”, walking off). For a slice of in buttered toast, some dry unseasoned mushrooms, beans, half a tomato and a baji this felt a LOT for £13. A side of fresh orange juice extra at around £3 I think) tasted delicious but this was in a tiny cup and filled with large ice cubes. I raised I hadn’t been happy with my meal to the staff, and that it felt unfair paying £13, and shared what could have been done to make it better. “Sorry no alternatives, it’s just how it comes”, they said crossing their arms and not even apologising for my experience. Wowsers."

Corarima

Corarima

➤ 10 Cross St Wakefield WF1 3BW, UK, United Kingdom

Vegan • African • Ethiopian • Vegetarian


"Exploring the outskirts of Leeds led me to discover the gem that is Corarima, a gluten free, vegan haven in Wakefield. As someone currently navigating a gluten free journey, stumbling upon this Abyssinian vegan/gluten free restaurant was a true delight. Opting for the combination platter for two was a journey through a sensory layer cake a symphony of tastes and smells expertly presented. We embraced the experience, relishing the deliciousness with our hands, a practice met with the owner's delighted approval. The host, a charming and attentive soul, took us on a culinary tour, passionately detailing each dish. He was so warm, Friendly and attentive without being over bearing. The decor added to the warmth, creating a homely ambiance that made this dining experience extraordinary. In the realm of UK dining, Corarima has secured its spot among our favorites. It's more than a restaurant; it's a rare and complete experience, a testament to the charm and authenticity of Abyssinian cuisine. I wish we lived closer as we’d visit regularly for sure! Dietary restrictions: I’ve recently had to go gluten free whilst also being vegan so it was wonderful to relax knowing that the menu was accommodating of my dietary requirements Kid friendliness: Whilst we were dining a family arrived with a young baby and the host was so charming and attentive with the baby. Engaging with the baby as if it was any other diner (even offering to take his order)!"