I was born and raised in Australia and, even though I’ve spent a good chunk of my adult life living in the UK, the idea of going back to my original country has been drifting into my thoughts more frequently.
Maybe it’s the passing of time. Maybe it’s the feeling of getting older and realising that I want to be closer to people I love. Maybe it’s just time.
Read more below.
The UK has been an enormous chapter in my life. More than that, it’s where Fat Gay Vegan was born. This is where it all started. Where I stood in pubs and community centres and market spaces and welcomed thousands of people to potlucks and parties and vegan beer festivals and street food events. It’s where I met thousands of people and formed friendships. I’ve hosted events in cities all across this country. London. Manchester. Sheffield. Coventry. Glasgow. Nottingham. Leeds. Newcastle. Edinburgh. Liverpool. Oxford. Bristol. It’s been a wild ride.
I’ve reviewed hundreds of restaurants and cafes. I’ve eaten more vegan hot dogs than I can recall. I’ve travelled the length of the country to support independent traders, to shine a light on the incredible work being done by grassroots vegan businesses, and to bring people together. Thousands of hours of my life have been poured into this platform and this community.
So what does it mean to even consider leaving?
Would Fat Gay Vegan continue from the other side of the world? Would I still write about the UK vegan scene from afar? Would I pop up every now and again with a nostalgic reflection on my favourite London bakery or post a cheeky update from a UK-based vegan brand? Or does leaving mean closing the door on a whole era?
It’s strange to even write this because there are no definite plans yet. I haven’t booked a flight. I haven’t packed a single box. But I suppose putting these thoughts out there is part of the emotional processing I know I’ll have to do eventually. It feels big.
So I guess this is me saying out loud that change might be on the horizon. It might be months away or it might be a year. But something is stirring and I thought it only fair to let you in on it.
Thanks for being part of the journey so far and I’m still here for now. Who knows where the next part leads?
Extra note: get along to my London events while you still can!
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