Bristol’s burger scene has exploded in recent years and most restaurants now also cater to customers looking for meat-free alternatives.
Being ‘vegan’ isn’t always synonymous with being green and healthy 100 per cent of the time. There are many ways to indulge on a plant-based diet when dining out in Bristol.
The restaurant industry has come a long way in diversifying dishes to offer vegan dishes beyond a mushroom risotto - what seemed to be the only plant-based option on menus several years back.
READ: Bristol burger legends Oowee to give away free burgers this week
If you’re giving Veganuary a go or you’re simply seeking to reduce your meat consumption, take a look at these offerings at some of Bristol’s best burger spots to whet your appetite.
'Big Ron' at Seitan’s Corner
This all-vegan grill is a rising star of the vegan community which has recently partnered with Future Doughnuts, if you need something sweet alongside your meal.
Pictured at the top of the article is ‘The Classic’ known affectionately to the restaurant team as ‘Big Ron’. Top marks and a strong pat on the back to anyone who can polish this one off in one sitting.
And as for the burger next to Big Ron - your eyes do not deceive you - that is indeed blue sauce on a burger. The Brizzle Blue is stacked with seitan ‘chickn’ (a gluten-based meat alternative), cheese and hash browns with lashings on their special blue, smoky garlic mayonnaise. Delicious.
10 Zetland Road, Bristol
‘Hell Burger’ at Vx Bristol
Self-proclaimed junk-food fanatics Vx Bristol operate from East Street under the mantra that "a cruelty-free vegan lifestyle doesn't have to be boring".
Vx opt for a soy-wheat burger patty, offering a more realistic meat look, paired with cheese and all the trimmings. Their ‘Hell Burger’ (not pictured) isn’t for the faint of heart - those who like can enjoy their classic cheeseburger combined with jalapenos, sriracha mayo and extra hot sauce.
The restaurant claims to have been the first-ever vegan boutique in the UK, home to the first all-vegan clothing line nationwide - and in 2020 it was named one of the world's best vegan restaurants.
123 East Street, Bristol
'Flamin’ Hot Smash Burger' at Oowee Vegan
Oowee Diner’s plant-based subsidiary will have you questioning whether you’re eating real meat. They’ve recently launched the Flamin’ Hot Smash Burger after teaming up with Beyond Meat to grow their menu - and they gave it away for free on Friday afternoon, which saw hundreds of people descend on the Baldwin Street restaurant.
For those with a big appetite, Oowee Vegan’s sides do not miss the mark. The Beyond Cheeseburger Fries can be served with a skinny chip or waffle fries, loaded with cheese sauce, gherkins and crumbled burger patty.
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Oowee Vegan now has sites across four cities in the UK so look out for them in London, Manchester and Brighton. You can also click and collect from their Bristol sites or find them on Deliveroo.
65 Baldwin Street, Bristol
'The Dirty Disco' at Hub Box
After expanding their menu amid Veganuary madness, there is ample choice at Hub Box with beef and chicken alternatives.
The Dirty Disco pictured above uses fake chicken and bacon from the hugely popular ‘This Isn’t’ vegan range, which can be washed down with one of their craft vegan beers.
If hyper-realistic meat isn’t your bag, their falafel-based Betsy burger is elevated with charred corn and zingy guacamole. It can easily be made vegan by swapping to egg-free mayonnaise.
113 Whiteladies Road, Bristol
'Mega Vegan Burger' at Three Brothers Burgers
True legends of Bristol’s burger scene, Three Brother Burgers, have a lot to offer for those seeking cruelty-free alternatives.
Their succulent beef-imitating patty comes with classic combinations including cheese and fake bacon. Those looking for a Kentucky-fried alternative will love the buttermilk fried chicken burgers, which come in three delicious variations.
Everything on their vegetarian menu can easily be made vegan by swapping in dairy-free cheese, vegan dressing and a vegan bun. If you've got a big appetite try their 'Mega Burger' - double everything!
For those new to Three Brothers Burgers, they've got a stunning harbourside spot in a bustling part of town which makes for a great dining experience.
Welsh Back, Bristol
'The Vegan Joint' at The Burger Joint
You can tell the Burger Joint care a lot about making vegan and veggie diners feel catered towards at their restaurants.
They have a whopping four different patties to choose from at their sites, and you can even build your own to curate your ultimate combination.
It’s worth noting they’ve also got an impressive selection of sides including beer-battered onion rings, corn-on-the-cob and three types of chips.
83 Whiteladies Road and 240 North Street, Bristol
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