8 Great Vegan Restaurants in Essex

Whether you’re taking part in Veganuary, going vegan as one of your New Year’s resolutions, or have been vegan for a while, you’ll find some wonderful vegan restaurants in Essex serving plant-based goodness. You should be able to have a great range of options to choose from when you eat out, no matter your dietary requirements. Read on for our top vegan places to eat in Essex!

Garden Room at Down Hall

This grand stately home turned luxurious hotel and spa, nestled in the scenic Essex/Hertfordshire countryside, is home to The Garden Room Restaurant – a vegan-friendly restaurant in Essex proudly boasting two esteemed AA Rosettes, and promising an extraordinary dining journey. Each dish is meticulously crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients, including produce from our very own Kitchen Garden. Begin your culinary adventure with the king oyster mushrooms, complemented by crispy polenta and a delightful truffle crumb. Savor the main course of salt-baked celeriac, paired with rosemary crushed potatoes and charred tenderstem. Conclude your meal with the decadent s’mores dark chocolate torte. Simply delicious!

English Cream Tea Company

If you’re in the mood for a vegan afternoon tea, then the Essex-based English Cream Tea Company will not disappoint! Don’t miss out on beloved English traditions and enjoy their Vegan Afternoon Tea Hamper, filled with indulgent delights so that you are able to enjoy the classic British treat at home. It also makes a wonderful gift. For a more immersive experience, visit their tearoom, the Secret Sconery in Great Dunmow, to enjoy vegan afternoon tea on-site. Additionally, you can purchase an etiquette masterclass to learn to dine like royalty!

The Three Horseshoes

Another wonderful vegan restaurant in Essex is The Three Horseshoes, perfect for pub-grub to suit all dietary needs! This family-run pub is located in Fordham, Colchester, and named ‘Pub of the Year’ by the East of England Tourism Awards 2023/24. Here you will enjoy delicious dishes containing local produce alongside outstanding beers and wines. With a continually evolving selection of vegan dishes, you’re sure to find something delightful with every visit. The onsite coffee shop, The Coffee Shed, also boasts a range of vegan treats, available for both dine-in and takeaway.

Talbooth Restaurant

For an exceptional vegan dining experience, visit Constable Country and discover the Talbooth Restaurant in Dedham. Situated on the serene banks of the River Stour, this picturesque locale is ideal for any special occasion. Their skilfully curated vegan menu celebrates plant-based dining without compromise. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The peppermint chocolate torte with mint chocolate flake, chocolate crumb, honeycomb, chocolate sauce, and vanilla ice cream is a must-try.

The Granary Bar and Restaurant

Head to The Granary Bar and Restaurant at Waldegraves Holiday Park on Mersea Island for a comforting coastal meal out. Enjoy a hearty vegan cauliflower, spinach, and lentil pie, served with mashed potatoes, garden peas, and generous helpings of gravy – perfect for warming up the chilliest nights. Relax in their cozy, family-friendly restaurant and take advantage of the fully licensed bar with a winter cocktail. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends.

Lion Inn

Another one of our favourite vegan places to eat in Essex is the Lion Inn in Boreham, Chelmsford. Their menu masterfully blends modern pub classics with specialty dishes, all crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients. The dedicated vegan menu is a feast for the senses, featuring delights like beetroot falafel on a bed of red pepper houmous and a scrumptious roasted cauliflower, chickpea, and spinach tagine with Moroccan couscous, flaked almonds, and coriander. For those with a sweet tooth, the black cherry Bakewell tart with vegan vanilla ice cream is a must-try. Don’t miss out on their specials!

Alec’s Restaurant

Alec’s Restaurant is a wonderful vegan-friendly restaurant in Brentwood, Essex. Alec’s prides itself on quality ingredients and exceptional service and although it’s not solely Vegan, there’s a number of dishes on their a la carte menu to delight, each made with the best seasonal fresh ingredients around. Produce is purchased daily from Spitalfields Markets in London and specials reflect seasonal availability. Unwind with your favourite tipple, relax amongst the softly lit interiors and cozy up by the roaring fires.

Mercury Theatre

The Mercury Theatre in Colchester serves up an enticing array of vegan options in their Café Bar year-round. Whether you're a passionate theatre enthusiast, catching up with friends, or hosting an informal meeting, why not enjoy a meal and drink in the stunning, historic setting of the Balkerne Gate? Open for food Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 2:30pm and during evening performances, this accessible venue caters to all. From tasty treats to small plates, salads, and sumptuous main meals, all made with locally sourced ingredients where possible, the Mercury Kitchen has you covered!

Looking for more places to eat in Essex? Visit our Food & Drink page.