Vegetarian Manchester

It’s a little-known fact that the modern vegetarian movement was founded in Greater Manchester in 1847. 

The Bible Christian Church was led by Reverend. William Cowherd, as he advocated and encouraged members of his small group of followers in Salford to abstain from the eating of meat, and follow the “vegetable diet”. He is reputed to have said “If God had meant us to eat meat then it would have come to us in edible form, as is the ripened fruit".

After Cowherd’s death in 1816 Joseph Brotherton took over the running of the church, who then became Salford’s first MP, alongside James Simpson, a wealthy industrialist. Brotherton and Simpson attended the first meeting of the Vegetarian Society, and Simpson was appointed the first presidency.

Vegetarianism has come a long way since the 19^th century, and has since gained a much larger following, and now, with more people going a step further to convert to veganism, it’s no surprise that A Radical City like Manchester is well ahead of the curve.

Choice for vegan residents and visitors is rapidly growing with must-visit spots now including: Allotment in Stockport which offers a sublime vegan tasting menu; the UK’s only all-vegan weekly street food festival, #PlantPoweredSundays at Grub Manchester; the casual delights of V Rev Vegan Diner, Zad’s pizzeria, Teatime Collective and desserts parlour Ice Shack; independent food co-ops The Eighth Day and Unicorn Grocery; plus regular vegan fairs, beer festivals and club nights regularly on offer at venues such as Islington Mill.

See also: not exclusively vegan but with good menu options - Lotus Kitchen, 1847, Deaf Institute, Pasta Factory, The Thirsty Scholar, Amma’s Canteen, Greens, The Garden, Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine,  Bundobust and Earth Cafe.