Joint winner: Dandelion & Burdock, Sowerby Bridge
(01422 316000; www.dandelionandburdock.uk.com)

It’s certainly not grim up north for vegetarians with Dandelion & Burdock flying the flag for veggie cooking in the heart of West Yorkshire. D&B is completely vegan, but the food is promoted in such a subtle way that you may not notice the absence of dairy, let alone meat. A beautiful setting by the Manchester-Rochdale canal, perfectly balanced dishes, (including herb pate and walnut bread, pea and wild mushroom risotto and dairy-free cheesecake), and a visionary approach to marketing make this joint winner of the Vegetarian Society Awards stand out.

Joint winner: The Waiting Room, Stockton on Tees
(01642 780465; www.the-waiting-room.co.uk)

You won’t miss a traditional pie and pea supper at The Waiting Room. Autumn's menu boasts aubergine cannelloni, pumpkin, pea and parmesan risotto, with butternut squash and Yorkshire Blue cheesecake for dessert. A relaxed atmosphere and ‘unbelievably delicious’ food made The Waiting Room a worthy joint winner. This popular veggie restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night, so make sure you book early, or you will be kept waiting.

BACKGROUND

• London's top ten veggie restaurants

• Hearty vegetarian bean stew

• Real Food Pioneer: Harriet Lamb

• Kids' food expert: are lambs too cute to eat?

Seasonal food guide

Your guide to the finest seasonal ingredients available from October to December and where to buy them

• 10 top cheeses beyond the south

• 25 key players in the food industry

10 of the best English cheeses from the South

In the first of two regional reports, cheesemonger Ann-Marie Dyas picks her ten favourite cheeses in the South of England

The Red Lion, Suffolk
(01473 657799; www.theveggieredlion.co.uk)

Winner of our Best Pub Award, The Red Lion in Great Bricett is East Anglia's first and only exclusively vegetarian pub. Our mystery diners gave top marks across the board for presentation, taste, texture, service – well pretty much everything! A mix of traditional meals such as Stilton, vegetable and chestnut cobbler, and international dishes such as African sweet potato stew, ensure that there’s something for every taste at the Red Lion.

Canteen, Cardiff
(02920 454999; www.canteenoncliftonstreet.com)

Canteen gained some mixed reviews, but our diners enjoyed their food more with every course, with a slightly disappointing starter of mushroom ravioli, eclipsed by a tasty and original caramel cheesecake. Mains include vegetable goulasch with wild rice and beetroot in salsa verde, and braised tofu with vegetable green curry and fragrant rice. Happy and knowledgeable staff add to the Canteen experience.

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Demuths, Bath
(01225 446059; www.demuths.co.uk)

A regular feature on almost every award shortlist, Demuths did not disappoint with an eclectic range of beautifully presented and expertly cooked dishes. Our diners raved about the smoky squash scrunchies, Middle eastern mezze and Pistachio baklava. Other offerings include the shitake tofu cabbage roll and root vegetable gratin. Demuths can be on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for – great quality food and service.

Relish, Hebden Bridge
(01422 843587; www.relishhebden.co.uk)

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