November is World Vegan Month, a celebration of vegan lifestyles, plant-based food and sharing cruelty-free alternatives with everyone!
November is World Vegan Month and 2019 marks 75 years since the foundation of The Vegan Society. Veganism here in the UK has changed an awful lot since then, with more and more people eschewing animal products for a plant-based lifestyle. shops and restaurants have responded by offering more and more vegan options, and it’s considerably easier to find delicious vegan options when you’re peckish. Here at Ross and Ross, we’ve been asked to produce vegan options and entirely vegan spreads for celebrations. We’ve risen to the challenge and created menus that please vegans and omnivores alike. If you’re planning a plant-based celebration soon, speak to our catering team about how we can help.
Although the word vegan didn’t appear until 1944, vegetarianism is first mentioned by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos around 500 BC. As well as his well-known theories of mathematics, Pythagoras also shared his views about not hurting other creatures, a view that is also carried through Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. India has the highest population of vegetarians, with almost 40% of the population not eating meat. It’s famed for the diversity of its vegetarian food, with much of the national cuisine being centred around vegan and vegetarian options. Israel is also a haven for vegetarians, with 13% of the country following a vegetarian diet and Tel Aviv frequently hailed as a haven for vegan foodies.
Modern-day vegans in the UK have more options than ever, as more and more people adopt a vegan lifestyle. It doesn’t mean giving up all of your favourite foods and living on limp lettuce, that’s for sure. As well as new ranges of vegan foods, there is also a myriad of cruelty-free items available from fashion, toiletries and makeup arriving on the market. You can pick up a quick vegan lunch at the supermarket and confidently walk into most chains and find a vegan option on the menu. You may be surprised how many foods that you already enjoy are suitable for vegans, as well as discovering a world of new exciting flavours.
How will you be celebrating World Vegan Month?
Keep a lookout for local events this November to find out how World Vegan Month is being celebrated in your neck of the woods. Vegan businesses are planning all sorts of exciting events to showcase their wares. Other businesses use World Vegan Month as an opportunity to launch exciting new vegan products. Even if you’re not a vegan, there’s no better time to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. Be sure to keep an eye on the hashtags #WorldVeganMonth and #WorldVeganDay to see what’s happening near you!
How about inviting your friends and family over for a vegan dinner party? Challenge your guests to think outside the box and create breathtaking plant-based dishes. Vegan baking is growing hugely in popularity as well, so why not surprise them with a delicious dessert as well?
National Vegan Month celebrations are planned all of the UK. If you dwell in the Cotswolds as we do, head to Cirencester for their Vegan Fair on 3 November, where they’ll be showcasing all their favourite vegan foods including cakes, chocolate, pies, packaged goods and cheeze. You’ll also find a range of ethical clothing brands, accessories, cruelty-free health and beauty products and handmade artisan crafts. We’re also excited about their programme of talks, cookery demos and workshops taking place for you to get involved with throughout the day. Stroud’s Vegan Fair is scheduled for January, so get that one in your diary too!
Vegan catering options
Requests for vegan options are very common and tend to appear at most of our weddings and events nowadays. Most of our vegetarian dishes are adaptable for vegans by omitting dairy items and always go down very well.
We do have a 3-course vegan menu and also a sharing ‘feasting style’ vegan menu for those looking for an informal yet indulgent vegan spread.
The menus feature some fabulous dishes that appeal to all including (for example):
- Coal Smoked Aubergine Curry and Wild Rice & Naan Bread
- Mung Beans, Potatoes, Cumin & Red Pepper Tagine
- Toasted Quinoa, Flat Leaf Parsley, Baby Leaves, Radish, Spring Onions & Chilli
- Sticky Toffee Pear Pudding
- Charred Pineapple, Honey & Meringue
We’re happy to tailor your vegan menu to suit your likes and dislikes. Our chefs are happy to try to ‘veganise’ your favourite dishes or recreate a special meal that you and your partner have shared. Contact our events team to discuss your requirements.