Lolos- vegan cafe in Ramsbottom

I recently visited Lolo's vegan cafe in Ramsbottom. I had never heard of this place, a friend suggested it for lunch and I was not disappointed. It has some of my favourite things a 20s theme, vegan food and a vegan shop. I wish I lived nearer to this cafe as it would definitely be my regular place to eat. It should certainly be on your list of places to visit. 

The lunch menu has a nice selection of sandwiches and salads and there is a daily changing menu of cakes and ice cream. 

I tried the Lolo's Club sandwich with chips and an orange and mango drink. The waitress also bought us all water with lemon at no extra charge. 

The food was delicious, it was vegan food done well. The sandwich contained vegan cheese, fake meat, avocado and salad. It was a lovely combination and the combination of flavours went so well together. 

I also got to look around the shop, it is stocked with a great selection from food products to cleaning supplies. The fridge was packed full of vegan cheese and meat alternatives. It is only a small shop but it is jam packed with interesting products. The best part about the shop is you don't have to check the labels to see if it's vegan. I think more vegan places should have a shop attached as it takes the hard work out of finding vegan products. 

This is definitely a place to visit. If you want delicious vegan food done well give it a try. Even my meat eating friends were impressed. I am looking forward to trying the evening menu and sampling some of the cakes and vegan ice cream for sale. 

A vegan option in the countryside

I've been here a week. There are no vegan cafés, no health food shops selling vegan frozen food, no vegan ice cream! But finally I have found something I can eat in the countryside. 

Baked potato and beans with no butter and salad, I didn't eat the coleslaw. Yes it's basic but at least I can enjoy a meal out with my grandad. I had it with my standard green tea- people keep asking me if I want milk with it, so veganism is definitely not well known here yet but maybe one day. Until then at least I can eat. Sadly in some places you will only be able to get basic meals but at least you can adapt options to suit you, by taking away the butter from this option it was made vegan. You can look out for ways to take dairy, eggs and meat out of food options to see if it will be suitable. 

Earth Cafe Manchester

Located below the Buddhist Centre in Manchester is Earth Cafe. This should be on all Vegan's lists as a place to visit. Find it at 16-20 Turner Street, in Manchester's Northern Quarter. 

With an entirely vegan menu you will be spoilt for choice! Although they do serve dairy milk all the food and desserts are vegan and there is a wide variety of non-dairy milks to choose from for hot drinks. The menu consists of an ever changing array of healthy meals made from scratch. 

A platter of four items off the hot food menu will cost you £6. It is all healthy, freshly prepared food which is delicious and hearty, perfect for lunch. You can also get a couple of items or vegan sausage rolls or a Jamaican pasty. The menu changes and uses seasonal food so you don't know what's exactly on the menu until you visit but the food usually available is curries, chili, rice, pies and vegetables. A salad bar is always available and there is a large selection of smoothies. 

The Earth burger, which is always on the menu, is delicious as well and worth trying. And then there are the cakes you will be spoilt for choice! As a vegan you get used to either having no options or just one choice but here as everything is vegan you can choose from chocolate, coffee cake or carrot cake, the desserts change all the time as well so you may have different choices on the day but you can guarantee a delicious dessert and soya cream is available. 

The drinks are varied, there is Whole Earth soda, cold drinks, teas, coffees, smoothies and hot chocolate. Anything you like will be available with a variety of non-dairy milks to add to any drink. 

I am a fan of Earth, it is a friendly, inexpensive and healthy place to eat. I always feel full and happy after eating here and look forward to visiting. Every time I eat here I know I will get a delicious, healthy meal whether I want a big lunch or a quick coffee and cake with friends. It is also one of the most relaxing places, it is a haven in a busy city and a must visit place. 

I'm glad to see the cafe becoming more popular- maybe this is because of Veganuary? Whatever the reason more people should visit as you will not be disappointed. 

Add it to your list of vegan places to try. 

Find out more information here: http://www.earthcafe.co/

Chocolate Tray bake

Who says vegans have to be healthy? There are so many great options for food especially dessert that can be made vegan. 

This tasty little find is from The Egg Cafe, Liverpool.  They always have plenty of vegan options and this massive piece of chocolate tray bake is perfect for dessert as a little treat. The crunchy biscuit base is topped with vegan chocolate. Perfect with a brew! 

If you thought the vegan life style was all vegetables and rice think again. 

Vegan options on the Highstreet

If you are out and about and need a quick snack there are some high street options out there. Sadly there's not yet a vegan cafe on every corner so until there is you can always find places to eat. 

Pret a Manger now have a new vegan option. It is a grilled artichokes and red tapenade baguette. Sounds yummy and is something a bit different. They are also planning to introduce more vegan options in the future so keep an eye out. 

Subway The Veggie Delite is a safe vegan option at subway and one of the healthiest, fill your sandwich with as many vegetables as you want without any butter or mayo- just avoid the flat breads as they contain dairy. 

Starbucks have a few vegan options, drinks can be made with Soy milk and to eat you can opt for porridge with soy, a veggie hummus wrap or a meze salad. 

As vegan options continue to increase in popularity more and more companies are seeing the benefits of adding choice to their menus, keep an eye out for vegan options on the high street you never know where you might find them. 

Vegan hot chocolate at Bonbon Chocolate Boutique

 Looking for great tasting vegan hot chocolate? Then look no further than Bonbon Chocolate Boutique in Manchester. If you are not looking for great tasting vegan hot chocolate then why aren't you? You should be trust me! 

One of the things that some people may worry about when going vegan is not being able to eat chocolate- milk chocolate bars are everywhere and most people don't know many alternatives but luckily vegan chocolate has come along way, there are many brands that taste amazing and are truly delicious and the same can be said for vegan hot chocolate. 

The delicious drink made with pure chocolate and water can be found at Bonbon Chocolate Boutique. This hidden gem in Manchester's Northern Quarter is an artisan chocolatier and cafe serving handmade chocolates as well as a great selection of treats many of them vegan. One popular brand booja booja is sold here, the amazing selection of dairy free chocolates in a range of flavours make the perfect gift for a vegan friend or even a treat for yourself. 

The cafe is known for it's hot chocolate and it's easy to see why, it's suitable for vegans and is available to have in different flavours, the chocolate orange is delicious. Other flavours include salted caramel and chili. This place is well worth a visit to grab a hot drink and pick up some vegan essentials...chocolate! It just shows that many places are now catering for vegans and supplying alternatives to dairy. 

Make time for a visit to this quaint little cafe and indulge in some vegan chocolaty goodness. 

Visit www.bonbonchocolate.co.uk for more information.