The new Flamed Steak crisps by Kettle - vegan glory!
Fried, mashed or even steamed. I cannot get enough of this most common of common root vegetables. Some people have joked it must be my Irish heritage compelling me to eat barrels of the stuff. I’m not sure there is much truth in that statement (but definitely some thinly-veiled racism), but I do know that potato makes me a happy FGV.
I was avoiding the sudden and spectacular snow shower in London yesterday when my eyes fell upon a glorious sight… a new flavour of potato crisp. Taking note of my aforementioned attraction to pommes de terre, you can imagine the length of time it took for said product to reach my mouth.
For the most part, I don’t have trouble following a plant-based diet. The UK enjoys an incredibly-wide array of products found in supermarkets and health food stores.
There is, however, one area of consumption where I sometimes struggle to have my demand met… and that is booze. I love a drink. Beer and whiskey and wine. Tick ‘all of the above’ please. But I endure the (almost daily) struggle of finding clearly-labeled vegan alcohol. Animal products are often used in the production of drinks and not all companies and establishments responsible for my lack of sobriety are up to speed with letting me know if they are selling animal-free liqour.
But never fear. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery in Tadcaster, Yorkshire has come to my rescue. This independent brewery has been turning out delectable thirst-quenchers since 1758. They clearly understand what makes a drink vegan and I have fallen in love with their Cider Reserve. Samuel Smith is served only in Samuel Smith pubs. In an attempt to remain fiercely independent, these branded pubs only serve Sam Smith items and maintain a music-free environment as a protest to public performance royalties.
I recently enjoyed several pints of Cider Reserve with friends in a lovely Sam Smith pub located in Tower Bridge, London. The Anchor Tap (located on Horselydown Lane) is a gem from another era. Low ceilings and goblin-sized doorways frame cosy rooms where you can relax with incredibly-inexpensive drinks. London can be slightly overwhelming, but the Anchor Tap and Samuel Smith put it all in perspective.
I carry a bit of extra weight, I am into guys and I enjoy cruelty-free food and drink. Join this Fat Gay Vegan on a journey of eating and drinking around the United Kingdom (and occasionally further afield) as I chronicle my plant-based adventures.
