The collaboration sees the UK’s largest hotel brand adding vegan bacon to its buffet menu at all of its 800+ hotels.

The plant-based bacon rashers – which boast 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, and contain iron and vitamin B12 – were crafted by THIS using pea and soy protein.

The bacon will be available as part of Premier Inn’s all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as its kids-eat-free deal.

Hungry for meat-free options

It comes as a seemingly ever-growing number of Brits are making a conscious effort to eat fewer animal products. In fact, research released by Quorn in September found that 41 percent of families in the UK are flexitarian or meat-free.

Yet many want to see more plant-based food when dining out.

A census-wide survey conducted by THIS in May found that 75 percent of Brits wished hotels, cafes, and restaurants offered more plant-based options.

The same survey discovered that nearly half (48 percent) of UK residents are interested in eating plant-based sausage or bacon for breakfast.

“Breakfast is a great occasion for people to get together, and our well-loved breakfast is a great value and hassle-free way to do that,” said Simon Jones, managing director for Premier Inn.

“With the recent introduction of our new vegan bacon in partnership with THIS, there’s now even more choice so no one has to miss out!”

THIS co-founder Andy Shovel echoed this sentiment, saying that the partnership is “really promising and timely,” given the UK public’s rising interest in meat-free food.

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According to Chef’s Pencil, this year the data showed a slight decline in search popularity of vegan-related terms. But plant-based food sales are still growing.

This could be because flexitarian diets, which focus on the reduction of animal products rather than total elimination, are growing in popularity. 

Charlotte Lucas, a corporate engagement manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, told Chef’s Pencil: “As flexitarianism becomes more mainstream, with 40 percent of European meat eaters planning to eat less meat, it’s no longer only vegans and vegetarians who are recognizing that every meal is an opportunity to eat more sustainably.”

The UK leads the way for vegan food

In terms of “most popular countries for veganism in 2022,” the UK came out on top, closely followed by Germany and Austria. The US came in at number 11.

In the UK, it’s easier than ever for consumers to choose meatless items.

From McDonald’s to KFC to Pizza Hut, popular restaurant chains offer plenty of vegan products. And every single supermarket now offers plant-based items, including Tesco, the country’s biggest.

Derek Sarno, Tesco’s head of plant-based food innovation and co-creator of its vegan Wicked Kitchen range, said earlier this year: “The amount of choice these days is mouth-watering.”

“Almost every category within supermarkets now has plant-based options, making it easier than ever for those considering or switching to embracing more meat-free days of the week.”

The post Brighton Crowned ‘Vegan Capital Of The World’ For The First Time appeared first on Plant Based News.

Expedia’s animal welfare policy

The new animal guidelines focus on six key areas: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, choice and control, and affective or mental states. 

Expedia now prohibits interactions with or performances by dolphins, whales, and other cetaceans. Seaside sanctuaries are permitted, as long as they are accredited and do not offer interactions or performances. 

Similarly, the travel company does not permit intentional physical contact with other wild and exotic animals, including elephants, bears, big cats, primates, and reptiles. It also prohibits wild animal performances that are “demeaning” and “unnatural.” This includes as part of a circus or magic show. 

Further, Expedia does not sell animal activities offered by venues that are not recognized by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), including exotic pet cafes and traveling zoos.

Expedia’s animal welfare policy also says it does not support attractions which breed animals for commercial purposes. Additionally, the company does not support venues that sell products derived from wild animals like crocodiles, turtles, and snakes. 

Attractions which use animals as props, such as for selfies, are also not allowed. 

And, Expedia does not allow any activity based on injuring or killing animals. This includes trophy hunting, canned hunting, bear baiting, animal wrestling, and spearfishing. Bull, dog, and cockfighting are banned, as is any experience that involves the feeding or use of live animals for provoking other animals.

Permitted animal activities 

Interactions with domesticated animals – such as horses, cows, dogs, and cats – are allowed via Expedia, but “limited.” 

For instance, animal rides, petting zoos, and parrot interactions are permitted. And, Expedia continues to work with select accredited zoos and aquariums. 

Further, it still promotes horse and dog sled racing. 

“A policy is only as strong as the system that enforces it, and we have both automatic processes and manual interventions to do so,” Expedia writes on its website. “Any time we update our animal welfare policies, we give our providers 30 days to comply with the updated policy or face removal from the site.”

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The company, founded by two long-term vegans, has just relaunched a brand new site and is eyeing further expansion.

Vegvisits vs. Airbnb

The platform invites hosts around the globe to list rooms to entire homes, in a bid to make traveling easier for vegans and the ‘veg-curious’ alike.

It came after founders Linsey and Nicholas Minnella had difficulties finding food and ‘felt uncomfortable’ staying in hotels abroad.

‘We were desperate for that feeling of peace of mind’, Linsey told PBN. Moreover, it wasn’t until the pair stayed at an Airbnb with a vegan host that they had the idea to create Vegvisits.

Since launching in 2016, the platform is available in over 80 countries. But following travel restrictions, Linsey says it ‘took a huge hit’.

However, now they’re ready to take the site to more countries and inform the ‘entire’ vegan and vegetarian community.

How Vegvisits works

The accommodation platform has so far accumulated over 1,000 listings.

And of those listings, hosts have to keep their homes meat and seafood free ‘at all times’ during a guest’s stay.

This is not only to avoid guests witnessing ‘the sights and smells of animal flesh’, but also to ‘bring a sense of peace amongst the unknown’, Linsey explains.

It also provides an opportunity for ‘valuable’ local advice from fellow vegans.

While the platform was originally free since upgrading guests are charged between six and 12 percent of the reservation cost. Hosts are charged three to four percent.

You can find out more about Vegvisits here

This article was updated on 28/09/2021 to update cost details

The post How This Company Is Rivalling Airbnb With Travel Platform For Vegans appeared first on Plant Based News.

The Disney Wish plans to make its debut sail next summer and has been described as the brand’s ‘greatest ship’.

It boasts three new Disney-themed family restaurants and will offer guests plant-based options in all dining areas. Chefs can also make vegan dishes upon request. 

Disney Cruise Line

According to Forbes, Disney Cruise Line said: “Each and every one of our menus will have vegan offerings. 

“Taking care of allergies and special requirements is extremely important to us. We want families to sail with peace of mind.

Vegan cruises

Disney isn’t the first cruise line to embrace plant-based dining. 

In 2019, Royal Caribbean added a new vegan menu to its ships’ main dining room.

Dishes include edamame-stuffed portobello mushrooms, vegan spaghetti bolognese, orzo pasta stew with green vegetables, and toffee cheesecake.

“At Royal Caribbean, we’re always looking at how to raise the bar of our dining offerings and we do it with one specific purpose: delivering great vacations for our guests,” Linken D’Souza, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Royal Caribbean International, told VegNews. 

“As the number of people and families adopting a vegan lifestyle continues to grow, we wanted to formalize our vegan offerings in a dedicated menu where guests can explore options and choose their dish. It’s all part of the dining experience. It’s important [for] us to meet vacationers’ dietary choices.”

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A vegan hotel is set to open in Greece this Summer – the country’s first.

The Koukoumi Boutique Hotel, in Ano Mera Mykonos, aims to appeal to both vegans and non-vegans looking for a healthy stay while traveling.

Suites

The hotel, whose name means ‘a snuggling place, protected from the wind’ in Myconian dialect, has 14 suites available for guests.

The suites are decked out in natural materials – all are sustainable and eco-friendly – including solar water heaters and coco-mat vegan mattresses.

In addition, there is an onsite gym, as well as a spa offering a variety of face and body treatments, massages, and a sauna. All products used are vegan, cruelty-free, and are housed in recyclable packaging. 

Vegan food

The menu has been designed by vegan chef Angeliki Charami, and features Greek-inspired flavors. Dishes include fresh pasta, salads, soups, and vegan burgers, as well as fresh baked good.

The hotel says of its menu: “A vegan diet is natural, cruelty-free and complete. It is a sensible choice for a healthy lifestyle. Fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts presented in balanced combinations contain all the necessary nutritious elements that cater for the needs of every person from every culture or religion.

“Our exclusively vegan restaurant with our delicious recipes will challenge you to reconsider everything you believed about food before.”

The post 4 Star Vegan Hotel Set To Open In Greece This Summer appeared first on Plant Based News.

The Best Western Opéra Liège in Paris has ditched all single-use plastic in exchange for eco-friendly alternatives.

The move is said to save more than 24,000 plastic bottles, 55,000 cosmetic packages, and 16,000 plastic bags every year.

‘A zero-waste ecosystem’

Working with Racing For The Oceans – who ‘strive to connect a zero waste ecosystem to the activity sectors it works with’ – the hotel’s 50 rooms and suites will no longer feature any single-use plastic from the end of February.

Guests will be given wooden key cards to access rooms, and amenities such as laundry bags and slippers will be made from bamboo.

All snacks in the mini bar will be plastic-free, and water bottles will be replaced with a water fountain and refillable glass bottles.

Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel will be provided in the form of a three-in-one solid bar, while bamboo toothbrushes will be provided along with toothpaste in a lozenge form.

Guests can also make use of the Nespresso machines installed in the room which use biodegradable paper coffee capsules.

‘Zero-waste suppliers’

Speaking to Business Traveller, Co-Founder of Racing For The Oceans Marine Pescot said: “We are definitely looking to work with other hotels and to develop a bigger portfolio of zero-waste suppliers…

“Our objective is to work with bigger groups and advise them on what suppliers they can work with.”

You can find out more about Racing For The Oceans here

The post French Hotel Ditches Single-Use Plastic In Environmental Drive appeared first on Plant Based News.

Travel company United Airlines says it is ‘focusing heavily’ on plant-based options in a bid to keep up with ‘evolving food trends’. 

The organization, who stopped selling SeaWorld tickets earlier this summer over animal-welfare issues, released ‘healthier options’ earlier this year – but is now overhauling its menu to focus on vegan in-flight dining. 

According to CNBC, Executive Chef Gerry Gulli revealed some of the plant-based dishes that will roll out in 2020 – including red beet hummus with roasted vegetables, roasted curry cauliflower with whipped hummus and pomegranate, and vegan stuffed grape leaf with dolma infused yogurt.

Vegan in-flight dining 

Earlier this year, major airline Jet2.com launched two new vegan dishes in response to the growing demand for plant-based food. 

The organization rolled out an All-Day Vegan Breakfast, featuring vegan sausage, rosti potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms in tomato sauce, and a Vegan Moroccan Vegetable Tagine served with couscous.

“Customer feedback shows that there is strong demand for vegan options, so we are delighted to be introducing these two delicious meals, giving customers more choice on our award-winning airline,” Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said in a statement.

“We are always looking at ways in which we can develop our offering and VIP customer experience, and we are sure that these new pre-ordered meals will be just as popular as the exciting in-flight menu changes that we have already announced this year.”

The post United Airlines ‘Focusing Heavily’ On Plant-Based Options appeared first on Plant Based News.

Vegan Culinary Cruises’ LGBTQ-focused cruise around Vietnam and Cambodia is to set sail on July 4 next year. 

The week-long Mekong river cruise has been curated by vegan blogger and event planner Sean O’Callaghan – otherwise known as Fat Gay Vegan, and will stop off in cities such as Siem Reap, Angkor Ban, and Ho Chi Min.

“Our all-inclusive program includes delicious vegan cuisine, thought-provoking lectures, entertainment, and fabulous onboard programming, along with local tours at each locale we visit,” the company’s website states. 

‘Safe and relaxed’

O’Callaghan said: “As a gay person, I have often longed for an LGBT-friendly vegan vacation opportunity. I know what it is like to put a lot of effort into planning and paying for a holiday and I want to know that every part of my trip celebrates who I am.

“My partner and I want to feel safe and relaxed whether we are in our cabin, sharing cocktails in the bar, or dining together at night. Vegan Culinary Cruises helped me turn this dream into a reality for me and my LGBT community.”

Although the cruise is ‘focused on celebrating LGBT community members’ – the travel company state on its website non-LGBT friends and family members are also welcome. 

You can book tickets for the cruise here

The post Vegan LGBTQ-Focused Cruise To Set Sail Next Year appeared first on Plant Based News.

Bali, the island of Gods, and food.

This beautiful Indonesian island is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, mainly known for its spectacular beaches, wild jungles, its resorts, the people, the culture, and everything else associated with this wonderful paradise.

But there is so much more to be amazed by, and for me at least, vegan food is most certainly at the top of that list. So as a passionate foodie myself, with a serious appetite for plant-based food, I have compiled a list of some of the best places for vegans to eat in Bali.

1. Zest – Ubud

Zest is the best. Colorful fruits, filling roots, fragrant spices and a sprinkle of heritage rice, this place has it all. By far one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island. You feel the enchanted vibe as soon as you walk in.

It’s surrounded by peaceful and ethereal zen gardens with fascinating rock structures. Even the interior is something else: a tree covered in orchids right in the middle of the high ceiling space, massive windows everywhere, statues of Buddhas, phenomenal artwork and lush vegetation all around.

The views are beyond spectacular too. Zests balcony gardens overlook the Campuhan bridges pristine jungles. Right on their high up wooden decks, you can see the most stunning Avatar-like trees in Ubud.

Did I mention the life-changing food? I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. All the ingredients used are sourced locally, supporting organic farmers, local artisans and even some of their staff grow their produce at home.

Everything is more than fresh and nourishing, which you really taste through the food on your plate. Its also reasonably priced considering the outstanding quality and gourmet genius you’ll be treating yourself to.

Favorites included the mouthwatering Cacao Ceremony (a naturally rich and indulgent Balinese hot chocolate), Plant-Powered Nasi Campur and The Awakened Cowboy (jackfruit steak with creamy mushroom sauce & cassava shoestring fries)

As a passionate foodie myself, I can confidently say this is my favorite restaurant in Bali. Scrap that, in fact, it’s my favorite restaurant in the world. Whatever it is that you fancy, your trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this heaven of a restaurant for the most epic and mouthwatering experience of your life.

2. Oma Jamu – Canggu

Bali’s wonderful hidden gem.

This lovely little and traditional vegan restaurant/warung was a dinner staple during our stay in Canggu. The owners and cooks are all super friendly and welcoming. The eatery offers the typical Indonesian style buffet, apart from the fact that all of it is vegan and organic.

You get a delicious variety of around 10-15 dishes to choose from, all for an extremely reasonable price, 45k which is around $2-3.

Buffet options include lentil stews, chickpea curries, mung bean risottos, samba veggies, tempeh/tofu rending, garlic mushrooms, red rice, sweet potato, and veggie fritters, and lots more.

If the buffet isn’t for you, then be sure to order something from the menu, maybe a traditional nasi goreng for good measure. Everything is healthy, delicious and packed full of flavor. Think of this place as kind of like coming home to a cozy comforting meal.

3. Moksa – Ubud

Fine dining and fully plant-based vegan cuisine at its finest. Another hidden gem, this time in the depths of Ubud, Moksa restaurant is nestled away so peacefully that you wouldn’t know it existed if it wasn’t for its excellent reputation.

What’s even more impressive than its atmosphere, reputation and food, are its permaculture gardens where all its ingredients are grown freshly around the site. Moksa even has a dojo – does it get any cooler than that?

The service is faultless, the staff are professional, attentive and friendly. You can tell they are truly invested in the work they do and committed to making your experience a memorable one.

Every single thing on this menu was spectacular. Moksa will leave an imprint on your taste buds that will last forever. We ordered the three-course special which allows diners to order any three courses from the menu, for a very reasonable set price. Our favorites in particular were the Balinese Paella and Savoury Waffle.

The desserts weren’t on the same level as everything else, pretty basic in fact. We had a selection of sweet treats including cakes, brownies and ice-cream selected by the chefs, and to be completely honest, they were very average.

Nevertheless, please do make an effort to visit Moksa as along with Zest, this was by far one of the best restaurants in Bali. Just make sure you have a set location for some desserts after.

4. Kynd Community – Seminyak

Instagram made me try this place, and you may well have come across it at some point on your feed as well. It’s the most aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy restaurant in Bali.

With a beautiful interior design with pink and white walls, adorable decor, and palm trees all around, this place really is picturesque, it’s like something out of a dream. No wonder so many foodies come here and fall in love.

Although to be honest, before actually tasting the food myself, I thought all this hype was just for the gram. I didn’t expect the food to taste nearly as good as the place itself looked. However I was completely wrong, the most award-winning part of the entire experience was most certainly the jaw-dropping food.

As a smoothie bowl fanatic myself, I was more than impressed with the dragon fruit smoothie bowl, which was followed by one of Kynd Community’s gourmet toasts. There are several variations to choose from, all named after famous vegan leaders such as; Ghandi, Nelson, Einstein, and Luther King. I ended up getting the avocado option, and it was the best avocado toast I’ve ever had.

This all had to be finished off with a nibble from the incredible dessert bar. In my case it was a Raw Snickers Cheesecake which left me speechless for the rest of the day.

Even though the presentation of the food and design of the place itself is immaculate, Kynd is a lot more than just a pretty face, it will tickle all your senses and leave you wanting to come back for more.

5. Alchemy – Ubud

Alchemy is a lovely raw vegan establishment, with its own little shop and chill out area. Its light and bright and has an easy and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike other vegan restaurants in Ubud, like Moksa or Zest for example, it isn’t as service orientated in here, but if you can get past that the real stars of the show are the food and drinks.

We had an amazing selection of raw sushi, pizza, and a unique spinach and mushroom quiche which were all absolutely fantastic.

You can also find yourself in salad heaven here. Alchemy has a huge salad bar that has an extensive range of exciting and tasty raw salads. Unlike your usual boring salad bar that has plain chopped up and dull looking vegetables, the salad bar here offers you imaginative, mouthwatering, healthy fresh salads that will leave you hovering with indecision as you try to decide what to pick.

I don’t want to comment too much about the desserts because I’ll get way too emotional that I can’t have them again, or at least for a long time, but trust me when I say this; the raw banoffee pie was the best dessert I have ever had.

6. Shady Shack – Canggu

The name says it, it truly is a shady shack, but a beautiful one. If you aren’t paying attention, you could easily pass by without noticing it, especially when it starts to get a little shady and dark.

Shady shack delivers great healthy food which could never disappoint. It’s near the sea, overlooking a rice field with a proper beach hut vibe, and relaxing feel. It’s another one of my absolute favorites in Bali thanks to the refreshing food, the ambiance, and everything else about this restaurant.

I would seriously recommend the Gyro Jack Burger, a Greek jackfruit style burger which left my mind blown. Along with that, the Fresh Spring Roles and Crispy Mushrooms were excellent side dishes and came with some of the best dips/sauces I’ve ever tasted.

Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait for a table as it started to get really busy the closer it got to dinner time, so keep that in mind. It’s pretty busy most of the time, which makes sense when the food is that good.

Explosive flavors in a unique outdoor and relaxed island vibe setting, what more could you want?

7. Peleton Supershop – Canggu

Peleton Supershop is a bicycle-themed vegan cafe and cycle shop in Canggu. A super cute restaurant with an awesome atmosphere, a hip surfer vibe, and large portions will make this one of your go-tos in the area.

With many options to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the menu. Much of the food here has a westernized twist, nachos, burgers, wraps, salad bowls, and pasta among other options including a tasty variety of desserts – notably the carrot cake muffin.

Food aside for a second, the staff go beyond anything else you’d usually encounter. Everyone is super smiley, and as soon as you enter, the guy at the front takes care of your helmets and bike. Then after your bill has been paid, he greets you again with your bike and helmets ready for when you come out.

8. Seeds Of Life (SOL) – Ubud

Offering clean, fresh and vibrant living raw foods flourishing with life, SOL is a raw food cafe and Taoist tonic bar located in central Ubud which also holds a space for Ashtanga yoga as well.

The menus for both the food and herbal tonic elixirs are unique and vast: a lot of thought has been put into the design of these creations. Ben, the owner of SOL, is a fascinating individual with a mountain of knowledge on his craft too.

The extraordinary raw food delicacies at SOL will give you an insight into the true meaning of soul food, food that nourishes, enlightens, enlivens and empowers the soul itself.

9. Cafe Vida – Canggu

There are so many cafe options in Canggu it can be overwhelming at times deciding where to go, but that all changes as soon as you step foot in Cafe Vida.

This eatery serves incredible food, juices, smoothies, coffee, and desserts. The place is absolutely gorgeous too, a renovated Balinese house with a garden oasis in the back. It’s a little slice of paradise in a busy area.

Cafe Vida offers a mouthwatering menu – and presentation of the food is far beyond expectations as well. Though its menu is not fully vegan, it is extremely health-focused and with comes many vegan-friendly dishes.

Both the tempeh and veggie burgers were one of the best plant-based burgers I’ve had to date. Don’t get me started on their polenta chips either…which were incredible.

10. Cassava – Canggu

This place is super chill and is not your typical restaurant or cafe, mainly because of its setting and wonderful poolside vibes. With its organic plant-based menu, yoga classes, and very chilled pool set up, Cassava is a must stay/visit, and the super friendly staff make you feel at home.

As for their food, it’s not the star of the show since this isn’t your typical cafe. Not all the options are vegan either but they do have several options that make it worthwhile – one, in particular, being the pad Thai which was extremely flavorsome.

Bring your laptop, a good vibe, and a slightly peckish belly and prepare to spend most of your day lounging by the pool, working on your while sipping a smoothie/juice or doing whatever your heart desires.

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