When it comes to food and drink, Christmas is a difficult time to stay eating healthily which is why so many of us make new year's resolutions aiming to improve.
January is often referred to as Veganuary as many people try to give up animal products in a bid to eat healthier or support the environment more. Going vegan can feel a bit daunting at first but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants, shops, takeaways and cafes across Nottingham where you can give it a try if you fancy making the switch.
Here are five of our favourites and just some of the options out there to get you started:
1 - Mocky D
Unit 9, Robin Hood Industrial Estate, Alfred Street,
Mocky D burgers have a bit of a cult following in the city thanks to its excellent menu. The Mocky van is permanently parked at Liquid Light brewery on Alfred Street so you can also pick up a cheeky beer or two while you're at it.
It really is hard to believe that the food is vegan as the burgers are incredibly juicy with amazing flavour. There are also limited edition snacks from time to time including their recent festive menu. The Mocky D festive feast kebab included Lamby or beefy original Mocky-Meat served on a warm naan, with bakon mushy peas, stuffing, sausage, cabbage, cranberry, festive pickles and onion gravy.
2 - Prickly Pear
Mansfield Road
You have two options for picking up Prickly Pear as they are now in charge of the food at The Golden Fleece pub including the Sunday roasts. The menu has some amazing vegan treats on it including macaroni pasta in a thick cheese sauce loaded with melted mozzarella cheese, pickles, green onion and crispy fried onions.
There are plenty of burgers, shakes and loaded fries to get stuck into with a huge selection of plant-based goodies to try. It's worth popping in on Tuesday for their tacos where tacos and a sol costs just £8.50 with new specials each week.
3 - Faux Butchers
Sherwood
Okay so this is a bit of a DIY option as you'll have to prepare it yourself but the Faux Butchers is a great shout for anyone missing that trip to the butchers. It's not strictly just a butcher as it also runs a delicatessen too.
There are some seriously good sandwiches on offer at the shop which change often. Past combinations have included bacon and blue ciabatta filled with Faux bacon with honestly tasty blue, plum and apple chutney and rocket and a Reuben with pastrami, gherkin, sauerkraut, mustard and bbq sauce.
4 - The Filthy Vegan
Portland Building, University of Nottingham
It's worth a trip out to the Portland Building at the University of Nottingham to get your hands on the food from The Filthy Vegan. The plant-based menu is varied but it's the signature B&Ohh! Burger with its brioche bun, lettuce, melted vegan cheese along with onion rings and facon that they are best known for.
If you are feeling a bit guilty after a burger or two then why not head out for a refreshing walk around the campus crowds afterwards.
5 - Sherwood vegan market
Sherwood United Reformed Church, Mansfield Road
There is nothing like a good stroll around a market at the weekend when you've got a bit of time to stop, shop and pick up a treat or two. Sherwood vegan market has a decent amount of stalls with many selling food from cupcakes to bread to soaps or gifts.
There are plenty of chances to pick up a hot coffee with some plant milk and get to know Nottingham's vibrant vegan community. The market is held on the market on the second Saturday of each month with the next one on Saturday, January 14 at the Sherwood United Reformed Church.
6 - Abeyo Ethiopian Cuisine
Various locations
Discovering a new food favourite can feel like a bit of a challenge especially if you are looking for something plant-based for the first time. However, Abeyo Ethiopian can be found in their distinctive red tent at Sherwood vegan market or Sneinton market depending on the weekend.
Ethiopian food is wonderfully filling and for under a tenner, you can pick up a mix of all the different options, hot sauce and injera. You can use the spongy pancake-like injera to scoop up the food instead of knives and forks if you are feeling particularly brave or want to get the full experience.
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