Smash hit

Hebden Bridge has the dubious distinction of being the second most alternative capital in the UK (behind Totnes), so the West Yorkshire town is a perfect setting for newly established Relish. Original food combinations such as tofu and squash skewer with satay sauce and savoury fruit and rice salad, set this apart from other veggie or organic cafes. Friendly and attentive staff make the atmosphere pleasant, but if you want to feel really merry, remember to bring your own wine, as the restaurant isn’t licensed yet.

The George, Brighton
(01273 681055)

With a varied menu featuring numerous vegan options, The George scored above average for its main courses such as the oyster mushroom burger and enchiladas. Rather plain starters with undressed salad left our diners disappointed, but overall, they’d gladly recommend it to veggie visitors as a good value ‘fill-up’ in Brighton. Check out the recently introduced daily menu, which features the day's specials as well as perennial favourites like the Elvis burger, made from veggie bacon, banana, and peanut butter, or the Bangers and Mash, drizzled in the George’s special red-wine onion gravy.

The 78, Glasgow
(0141 5765018)

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

A vegan bar-cafe in Glasgow may seem like a tall order, but the popular 78 certainly delivered for our diners, with great service, atmosphere and a good range of dishes. Described by the manager as "a bar that likes quality food", all offerings here are vegan-vegetarian, such as the baked haggis with baby potatoes and a mustard cream sauce, the sweet potato and cabbage soup, or the homemade falafel platter with sides that are updated daily. For dessert, taste the dark chocolate tort on a nutty biscuit base with cream and berries, or the crispy banana parcel with rum sauce and vanilla ice cream.

InSpiral Lounge, London
(020 74285875; www.inspiralled.net)

The InSpiral Lounge calls itself London’s first organic vegetarian fast-food outlet. Munch on a nutrient-rich salad of seaweed, carrot, and Goji Berries with raw sesame hummus while listening to live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The lounge also offers full hot food and raw vegan buffets. For those on a budget, the curry and rice Camden Special costs less than two quid. Other popular mains include Thai massaman curry, as well as roast fennel and wild mushroom lasagne.

The Bean Inn, Cornwall
(01736 795918; www.coastcornwall.co.uk/beaninn.html)

The Bean Inn in Cornwall thrives on the principles of taste, health and value. Ingredients are mostly local and organic, and you can feed the kids for half-price with their half-portion policy. Standout starters include the puy lentil, Stilton and walnut salad with a balsamic roasted beetroot dressing, as well as the mouth-watering fattoush. Mains include the Moroccan spiced vegetable casserole, pasta tortiglioni or Blue Cheese, white grape and red onion tart served with salad and potatoes.

Do you agree/disagree with the judges' choices? Let us know about your favourite vegetarian restaurant in the comment box below

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