Just back from a three week non blogging break in the UK including ten days in London-by-sea aka Brighton. A manic final three days in London proper emphasised that the quality of life in Brighton is far superior. It also has floods of tourists but somehow the town can accommodate them much better. The chief advantage is obviously the coastal location – the pleasure pier and wide beach-side promenades means that you are among crowds in a less claustrophobic way.
We were staying in Kemptown midway between the pier and the Marina. Our first walk towards the Marina complex took us past the naturist beach (bracing!) and footpaths infested with huge rats (scary!). This was disconcerting yet perhaps appropriate to the town’s quirky and slightly seedy charm which still survives despite the obvious upgrades and gentrification.
For vegetarians like me it’s always been something of a mecca but now you are positively spoilt for choice. There’s even a Vegetarian Shoe Shop where my daughter got a cool ‘Real Fake’ leather jacket.
For the record, and because everyone else has their own list, here is my top 5 choice of best all veggie eateries :
1. Terre A Terre, 71 East Street – probably the best vegetarian restaurant in the UK – certainly one of the most expensive. You need to be prepared to pay at least £30 a head but, believe, me it’s worth penny pinching elsewhere for a taste of the superb Mediterranean style gourmet cuisine.
2. Iydea 17 Kensington Gardens – cheap and cheerful self service cafe with generous portions and friendly service. You can get a filling lunch for well under a tenner. Great location in funky North Laines
3. Food For Friends 17-18 Prince Albert Street – a spin-off from Food For Thought in Covent Gardens . This used to have the same frenetic self service atmosphere but is now more up market with table service. I didn’t eat there this time around but from past experience it’s a reliable choice.
4. Bombay Aloo, 39 Ship Street – all you can eat all day £5 vegetarian buffet. What’s not to like?
5. Wai Kika Moo Kau, 11a Kensington Gardens – literally across the road from ‘Iydea’ this benefits from a good location and witty name (Why kick a moo cow?) . It has a varied menu but I was a little disappointed after friends (and on-line reviewers) had sung its praises. The veggie burgers were a bit stodgy without much flavour and the table service was quite slow considering it bills itself as a fast food joint. Maybe I just caught them on an off day – I’d be prepared to give them a second chance.
