What’s up, Manchester?

Have you noticed the vegan revolution taking place in Manchester?

The city is being swept up in a plant-based frenzy, so I thought I would tell you about five vegan places I think you NEED to know about in the Northern city.

Let’s take a look.

#1 Unicorn Grocery – this legendary workers cooperative has been serving animal-free groceries, produce, household products, deli items and more for decades. If you have never stepped inside, do yourself a favour soon. It’s the UK’s original vegan supermarket.

Super chuffed to win best indie retailer at the Soil Association BOOM organic awards last night. Very proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 20 years as a fully worker-owned, worker-controlled business. Fab suppliers Hodmedods also won an award for their British peas and Doves Farm for their flour. And fellow northerners Barra Organics in Sheffield were named Rising Stars of 2016. BOOM!

A post shared by Unicorn Grocery (@unicorngrocery) on May 12, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

#2 V-REV Vegan Diner – what’s left to say about this beyond-fucking-righteous diner with the finest junk food you’ll find in the UK? They care about animals. They care about people. They tell fascists to fuck off. They pay Living Wage. I love them.

A post shared by V Rev Vegan Diner (@vrevmcr) on Apr 22, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

#3 Teatime Collective – this café is a hidden gem in Hulme, nestled away in a nondescript park. The chick’n sandwich I devoured here was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten and top marks for leading the charge of vegan ice cream parlours in the area!

The #sun is shining! Come on down to Manchester’s first #veganicecream parlour and café and enjoy some alfresco dining of all your favourite #vegantreats! #vegansofmanchester #manchester #vegan #whatveganseat #whereveganseat #treatyoself

A post shared by Teatime Collective (@teatimecollective) on May 4, 2017 at 5:43am PDT

#4 Ice Shack – this dessert parlour is a recent vegan convert and is electrifying Withington Village with LOTS of ice cream flavours, including one named after Fat Gay Vegan! Enjoy a milkshake, enjoy some cake. Ice Shack has it all.

A post shared by Ice Shack (@iceshackm20) on Apr 12, 2017 at 4:05am PDT

#5 Manchester Vegan Beer Fest – I know this is a bit cheeky as it’s one of mine mine but last year almost 1,000 people descended upon the first ever Manchester version of this event. It is back bigger and extremely better on September 16, 2017. Manchester, you had a lot of fun last year so I’m super-sizing it in 2017 because I adore you so very much. There will be plenty of beer and some surprise food vendors. RSVP to the Facebook event page to stay updated for ticket information.

Manchester Vegan Beer Fest is OUT OF CONTROL! This city likes drinking #vegan beer. Get tickets for tomorrow at veganbeerfest.co.uk #mvbf16

A post shared by Fat Gay Vegan (@fatgayvegan) on Sep 17, 2016 at 8:31am PDT

What else would you recommend in Manchester? I know Aladdin’s has recently gone vegan but I’ve yet to try it. Any other 100% plant-based wonders around the city?