Birmingham, London, and Manchester are best UK cities for vegans, study finds

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Over half of Brits take into consideration the carbon footprint of their meal, when eating out (Image: SWNS)
Over half of Brits take into consideration the carbon footprint of their meal, when eating out (Image: SWNS)

Birmingham, London, and Manchester have topped a list of the best UK cities – for vegans, a study has found.

When it comes to variety of plant-based options on menus in restaurants and cafes, nearly two-thirds of Birmingham residents (63%) are happy with the choices available to them.

This was closely followed by 62% of those in Manchester and London, who said the same – while Liverpool (60%) and Leicester (55%) rounded out the top five.

However, Sheffield is lagging behind, as just 16% of those living in the South Yorkshire city are currently “very satisfied” with their vegan options – and 63% are keen to see a bigger range of plant-based dishes.

People in Birmingham are also most likely to consider it important that local eateries offer a wide range of vegan options on their menus (79%).

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And 65% of those in the Midlands city claim they have seen an increase in the number of plant-based food options available over the last five years.

Birmingham, London, and Manchester are best UK cities for vegans, study findsAnd Birmingham is the easiest city in which to be vegan - as almost two-thirds are happy with their plant-based options (SWNS)

The survey of 2,000 people, half of whom were vegan, also found that those in Manchester who do not always follow a vegan diet, are still the most likely to enjoy more meat-free days than elsewhere – choosing to do so three times a week, due to the health benefits (45%).

Meanwhile, 76% of those who reside in the capital city consider it important for food to have a low environmental footprint.

The research was commissioned by Viva!, to launch its 50by25 campaign – encouraging restaurants to ensure half the options on their menu are vegan, by the end of 2025.

A spokesman for the charity said: “In the UK, we’re lucky to have such a diverse range of eateries on our doorstep. It’s great to see some of the big cities in the UK leading the way when it comes to the number of plant-based options available, as they are the most environmentally friendly option.

“For this reason, we want every restaurant across the UK – from those in cities, to smaller towns and villages – to follow in these footsteps, and make plant-based food options available to all.”

The research went on to find that, even though adults in Birmingham are among those with the most choice, 75% still want even more vegan options to pick from, as well.

Birmingham, London, and Manchester are best UK cities for vegans, study findsVegan charity, Viva!, is calling for half of menu options at restaurants and cafes to be plant-based by the end of 2025 (Viva!)

Over two-thirds (69%) of all those polled believe it is important to have plenty of vegan food in a city – with 52% of those citing it as being better for the environment.

The average omnivore has two meat-free days each week, with common reasons for this including health benefits (36%), wanting to reduce their environmental impact (26%) – and the fact that it’s often cheaper (26%).

Furthermore, 79% of all respondents feel it is important that restaurants limit their impact on the world through the food they serve. Even those who are non-vegans believe half of menus should be plant-based when eating out (22%).

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And 52% of everyone polled, via OnePoll, said they take the carbon footprint of a dish into consideration when ordering their food.

Viva!’s spokesman added: “Sticking to a vegan diet has many benefits, but it is encouraging to see just how many people identify it as being the most environmentally friendly option.

“Even having just one meat-free day a week can substantially lower your carbon footprint – so it’s great that the results show people are having two or more a week.

“In fact, choosing the vegan option can cut a dish’s climate impact by half compared to the meat equivalent, while also reducing the impact on wildlife by half. That’s why we have launched the 50by25 campaign, to encourage restaurants to do their part.”

TOP FIVE BEST UK CITIES TO BE VEGAN:

  1. Birmingham (63%)
  2. London (62%)
  3. Manchester (62%)
  4. Liverpool (60%)
  5. Leicester (55%)

Andrew Young

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