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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I know that Frankie and Bennys have already been mentioned on this thread but I just wanted to say thatI had a really good experience there a few months ago, I ordered a huge pizza, asked for it to be made without cheese etc. When they brought it, it was gorgeous and they charged me half price because there was no meat/cheese on it!
I also find Nando's a great fall back
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
twinkle
I'd be tempted to send them some feedback -
http://www.socialanimal.co.uk/Glasgo...menu.php?id=57 - it doesn't look like any of their "kind to animal" burgers are dairy free, surely it would be easy enough to cut out the cheese from at least one of their recipes! I wouldn't trust anyone who said coconut milk was used as a binder in a bread roll either! I can't believe they charged you eight quid for a mushroom, that's totally outrageous!
Edited to add: Or did she mean the burgers were bound with coconut milk? That still doesn't make sense, and doesn't look very likely from the descriptions on the menu.
Yes she meant the burgers. She asked me beforehand 'oh is it an allergy?' and I said 'no I'm vegan' so I'm sure she didn't care if she gave me correct info or not. I might email them. I didn't want to go the second time but I was outvoted by friends.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Vegan-bellydancer
Went to Harvester recently as well..and the salad bar was great though the only thing suitable on the menu was soya and mushroom sausage which I've had twice now.
i went to harvester recently as my mum won't eat anything with any flavour and they list the sausage as having egg or milk in or something on their website allergies list. Sorry!
i ended up with the tomato pasta thing they do and salad off a poorly stocked salad bar. It's never my first choice of omni restaurant...
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
smurfette
i went to harvester recently as my mum won't eat anything with any flavour and they list the sausage as having egg or milk in or something on their website allergies list. Sorry!
i ended up with the tomato pasta thing they do and salad off a poorly stocked salad bar. It's never my first choice of omni restaurant...
Really, the waitress obviously didn't read her list properly then she said the sweet potato burger had egg in and the pasta might but she wasn't sure. But didn't mention the soya sausage had egg or milk in it...how annoying..not worth while going back there then. It would be nice if the waiting staff were better informed on ingrediants in there food. I did mention I was vegan. Just some mushrooms in vegan wraps or with chips/potatoes or rice would have been nice. :mad:
Thanks for letting me know Smurfette, at least I now know :)
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
i've just been back on their website to look at the allergen info again and they've introduced the 'nutritional calculator' or something which makes it really difficult to work out what you want as you have to choose an individual dish before you can check its credentials rather than just being able to read a list.
it's never been a place i'd choose to go and shan't return unless under severe duress. ah well.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I was just having a look at that nutritional calculator as well :confused: - glad it wasn't only me that was baffled, smurfette! I don't think I've ever been to a Harvester but presumably you could have a nice baked potato with nothing on it and a salad (traditional vegan meal when you don't have any say in the choice of restaurant :D )?
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I'm not sure if you have any Hungry Horse restaurants/pubs near you but they have had a vegan option on the menu for the last year, it used to be a Dhansak, but they have recently change the menu and it is now a Roast Veg Jalfrezi. They dont advertise that they cater for vegans, but on their website if you go to the menus page, they list their menus, nutritional info and allergen info.
The allergen document lists all of the components in a meal (Rice, Jalfrezi, Poppadums, Chutney), if those individual components are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, may contain milk, nuts, celery etc, beneath that they list if the full recipe is vegan, vegetarian etc and they quite happily display that the whole jalfrezi is vegan.
If there are any in your area you could try them in future
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I probably won't go to the Harvester again. The waitress was so unhelpful and I had the impression they were not prepared to alter meals though perhaps they would have.
Also when I went to the salad bar I over heard the waitress giving our order over the grill area her words were something like "her sister is ok though she will have meat, lots of meat...she loves meat" waitress looked embarrassed when she saw me at the salad bar and made me feel uncomfortable. (my sister always has a chicken and meat grill thing).
Definately not the best place to eat..probably could have a jacket potato..though they sell that as a side and the salad bar is free..so presumably you would be expected to have a main or probably pay full price and get some veg with it or something.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
How rude of the waitress to say that Vegan-bellydancer............how did you stop yourself from giving her a piece of your mind? :(
I don't really eat out at chain restaurants anymore as even if you just have chips they've probably fried animal products in with the chips...........at least that's what I've always discovered when I ask them. :(
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
[QUOTE=sandra;682744]How rude of the waitress to say that Vegan-bellydancer............how did you stop yourself from giving her a piece of your mind? :(
I probably should have..but I felt like a bit of an outcast. Probably would have been a different story if I had been with another vegan.
I have always enjoyed eating at restaurants but since being vegan it's become difficult. Though I think I will have to try one of those vegan restaurants in London...I'm sure I will get my satisfaction back then :)
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Yes, things should be easier at the vegan restaurants.............you are so lucky...............we don't even have a vegetarian restaurant over here! :(
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Vegan-bellydancer
I have always enjoyed eating at restaurants but since being vegan it's become difficult. Though I think I will have to try one of those vegan restaurants in London...I'm sure I will get my satisfaction back then
Yes I'm sure you will but maybe you can also see if you have any of the more vegan-friendly of the omnivorous chains near you, like Wagamama and Pizza Express and others discussed in this thread? Also have you been to the vegan-friendly pub in Rochester, called What the Dick Inns (groan) - that's quite near you isn't it?
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I do live by What The Dick Inns and have been there for drinks but not sampled the food there (which I will do in time). I think we have a pizza Express somewhere local
I'm going to London on Sunday though and might have a look for something there. :)
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
You're lucky then, V-bd. I've been to WTDI a couple of times and thought the food was nice - they have vegan wine listed as well if I remember correctly. I think you're meant to phone ahead if you would like to eat there.
You'll probably find something in London ;) Enjoy!
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Hi all - fellow Brit here (and newbie). Anyway!
Anybody from London been to Paul? It's a chain of French Bakeries. For lunch, they have an Avocado and Bean Salad that's classified Vegan and it is AMAZING.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
oh hello soumya, you live in Horsham, I used to live there, welcome to the forum :p
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Thanks for the news about Paul, soumya - I hadn't thought of looking in there.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
You're welcome! I'm not sure about the bread served with the salad. Bread is usually vegan right? :-S
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
It depends - quite a lot of bread in supermarkets etc isn't vegan but I think we decided that basic French bread (as in baguettes) was, so perhaps one could ask to have that.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
So, went to London today and was planning to try a vegan restaurant in Vauxhall but was late to meeting some dancers in Brixton (or so I thought), Went to this great little place located near The Dogstar if anyone has heard of it or live near Brixton. I got served a huge plate of meze and warmed pitta for £4.95.
Will post the name of the place when I find out as I paid no attention on entering as wasn't expecting anything much. Was nice to be served by people who understood what veganism actually meant.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
harpy
It depends - quite a lot of bread in supermarkets etc isn't vegan but I think we decided that basic French bread (as in baguettes) was, so perhaps one could ask to have that.
Baguettes and the like can contain bread improvers as well and a lot of those aren't vegan. I would very much think a restaurant wouldn't even know if the bread they serve is vegan or not. Most bakers don't know exactly what is in the products they use either.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
CoolCat
Baguettes and the like can contain bread improvers as well and a lot of those aren't vegan. I would very much think a restaurant wouldn't even know if the bread they serve is vegan or not. Most bakers don't know exactly what is in the products they use either.
I haven't had a baguette since going vegan though I have picked one up in a supermarket and didn't find any ingrediants I thought were not vegan friendly. Wasn't sure though and decided not to purchase. What ingrediants in a bread improver should we be looking for? Sorry if it's obvious but I tend to avoid some breads.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I think someone was saying that the ingredients of baguettes are controlled by French law, but I guess Paul may sneakily use different ingredients outside France.
Must admit I'm rather slack about ingredients in bread while eating out. I make my own for home consumption though.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Every part baked baguette I've come across in England has been vegan, I don't buy the ready baked ones because they never list ingredients.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Risker
Every part baked baguette I've come across in England has been vegan, I don't buy the ready baked ones because they never list ingredients.
That's true, so I can eat the part baked ones...good to know.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Risker
Every part baked baguette I've come across in England has been vegan, I don't buy the ready baked ones because they never list ingredients.
Tesco list on their website the ingredients in some of their instore bakery bread like this granary one
Quote:
harpy
I think someone was saying that the ingredients of baguettes are controlled by French law, but I guess Paul may sneakily use different ingredients outside France
I think it can depend on what they call it in this country (there are strict laws in France) but I think if its called "French" baguette or bread they may have to stick to certain ingredients, but they could just call it a baguette and stick what they want in. Probably best trying to check ingredients, one of Tescos called Stone baked baguette has starter cultures which I am not sure about the veganity of.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Vegan-bellydancer
What ingrediants in a bread improver should we be looking for? Sorry if it's obvious but I tend to avoid some breads.
Bread improvers for soft baked goods can contain milk, the ones for regular bread can contain animal fat, the one for baguettes that is common here (Belgium) Puratos S500 Controller lists Emulsifier E472(e). If you look at the Belgian mirror it also lists enzymes that would require further questioning. Not sure if it has a meaning that the UK picture doesn't show a baguette but the Belgian one does... and if the enzymes are missing from the website only, or if it is a different product.
Another ingredient is mono and diglycerides of fatty acids that might often be part of fat based products (some bread improvers come as a powder, others as a fat). And L-Cystine comes to mind as well. L-Cystine might be less common in the EU than in the USA but I have seen it listed on products. There can be other ingredients as well... You would have to contact the manufacturer of the bread improvers to be sure (the bakers might not know or just guess at it to sell you crap not caring).
I'm not sure they have to list all the ingredients on the package of the bread improvers because that is consumer law, and bakers buying them are business to business. Here when the baker sells his bread and puts it in a bag only after the customer bought it (ie the bread is on display) there doesn't have to be ingredients listed. But if a pre-packaged bread is sold the ingredients must be on the package so knowing the exact ingredients would only be of concern to industrial bakers. If they don't simply list "bread improver" that is.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone has any recent information/lists regarding any chain restaurants?
I've barely eaten out recently due to a couple of negative experiences, (one of which had me sat outside a restaurant in tears, at a close friend's birthday meal.. nice.)
on Friday I'm going to Frankie & Benny's; I've been before and I know there's a lot of (mostly positive) stuff about them on the forum already, but most of it is quite old & I was just wondering what my options are. They don't have an email address on their website, and I prefer to have an idea of what I can order before I get to the restaurant, as I'm very shy and hate the awkward, self-conscious feeling as everyone fusses over what I can/can't eat. I'm sure you understand!
And, in general, I would like to get out of my 'eating out' phobia rut! As it's a bit sad. So any other chain restaurant info would be very useful - up-to-date lists, links, recent experiences?
Much appreciated :) thank you x
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Hi
I managed to find an email address for them - I think it goes to their marketing department (regarding data privacy etc) but its worth giving it a try:contactus@frankieandbennys.co.uk
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
^ Wetherspoons states it's vegan foods on it's website. With regards to F&B why don't you ring them in advance?
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Yeah, I'm aware of Wetherspoons' website.. although it is a shame that their vegan options seem to be gradually diminishing (plus, what vegan stuff they do still have on their menu, they rarely seem to have in stock!) Their website is great for dietary requirements though; wish all pubs/restaurants were that helpful.
Thanks for the F&B email address, I'll give it a go :)
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I've only eaten out at Wetherspoons and Harvester since going vegan. I have to say i really love harvester as i always order 2 sides, chips and mushrooms, which means the salad cart is still free, they give me a plate rather than a small bowl and i go nuts, I'm always really full after going there and its ridiculously cheap. Me and the OH went, he had a combine harvester and i had mine, and with drinks it came to about £13!! :)
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I know it's been mentioned in this thread already, but Nando's is great for vegan options. I believe all their veggie options are now also vegan, as long as you omit the yoghurt sauces on some of the wraps/pitas.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
^ Eeek, don't think so - unless they have changed this very recently!! It always used to be only the veggie burger that was suitable (bean burger had egg's or cheese, can't remember) and you always had to stipulate 'without mayo'.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I went to Strada once and ordered the pasta and tomato sauce option (exciting I know) and it came with cheese on the top. :mad: Even though I'd already told the waitress I was vegan and it didn't describe it as having cheese in the menu. Also it was sooo overpriced. One to avoid!
Don't think I've eaten out in any other chain restaurants since going vegan...
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
well i used to go to F&B a lot a year or so back and i always ordered the Penne Arabati (excuse spelling) and had it with Spaghetti instead of Penne (just personal choice coz i like twirling the pasta round my fork lol). I've had that dish in a few restaurants (Jamie Oliver's and some Italian one we used to go to somewhere).... it's just basically veg and herbs in a tomato sauce with pasta. LUSH.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Think this may be a London based chain only and I haven't been there since last year but Ping Pong used to be good, they do Chinese Dim Sum so you order lots of little dishes. They did used to have a separate vegan menu if you asked for it too.
Otherwise, I'm everyone else on using Wagamama and Pizza Express mainly otherwise. But what was that about the Yasai Itame not being vegan because of the noodles? That's my favourite one, that and the Yasai Cha Han (or something like that) with no egg.
I found Giraffe a pain as there is not one vegan option, instead you have to take more than one dairy item off every veggie option! And so you end up with really plain food. They did used to have a much better menu for vegans a few years back then changed it, I wrote and asked them to be nicer to vegans but don't think it made a difference!
I can't eat in McDonalds or Nandos as they are just too meat-focussed and promoting for me. And I do think McDonalds is a particularly unethical company on so many counts.
I'm hungry for vegan noodles now!
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
I can't remember the Wagamama details but I check every time I go there (which isn't all that often) as they sometimes change the menu. There are certainly a few things on there that can be made vegan by swapping the type of noodles.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
This is Giraffe's allergy chart:
http://girafferestaurants.s3.amazona...69_giraffe.pdf
I'm meeting a couple of friends for lunch soon and really excited to try the Zuma Beach Salad! They also have noodles, houmous and flatbreads and a sorbet for dessert.
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Re: UK: Eating in chain restaurants
Quote:
Dee dee
I can't eat in McDonalds or Nandos as they are just too meat-focussed and promoting for me. And I do think McDonalds is a particularly unethical company on so many counts.
I don't think there is much you can eat as a vegan in mcdonalds anway (at least not in UK)...don't they flavour their fries with some sort of beef-sourced stuff??