Best Brighton Vegan Guide: Restaurants, Shops, & More

All right, I will cut to the chase; if you’re vegan, you MUST (seriously, this calls for capital letters) visit the UK town of Brighton! We’ve all been missing out. As soon as you walk down the street, you’re greeted with signs proclaiming, vegan this and vegan that — I had to do a doubletake!

 Did that sign really say vegan Cornish pasties and sausage rolls? Or vegan shoes?

I’ve been over here fawning all over New York, LA, and London, while Brighton has quietly been living its best green vegan life, and I’ve been missing out! 

So now, I hope I have made you super excited to visit this fantastic city by the sea, and I hope you’re ready to eat! This Brighton vegan travel guide will help you plan which vegan restaurants to visit, stores to shop, things to do, and so much more — I’ve got your whole trip planned for you (you’re welcome)!

Super veggie trip tip! London is only about an hour away from Brighton. If you’d like to keep the vegan eating extravaganza going, consider buying a train ticket and heading up for a few days!

Is Brighton Vegan-Friendly?

Brighton is super vegan-friendly! It’s honestly one of the best cities in the world for vegans and hands down one of my personal favorites. The UK city has long been a leader in the green movement and because of that there are a ton of vegan restaurants and just about anywhere you go is vegan-friendly. On top of restaurants, you’ll find vegan and vegetarian markets, shops, and even Cornish Pasties! So get ready to have an amazing vegan getaway!

Botanique 

31a Western Rd, Hove BN3 1AF
This naturally boho-chic vegan restaurant is a fantastic spot to bring friends if you want to wow them with the versatility of veggies! Local and seasonal ingredients are front and center, from the exotic mix of mushrooms, served with creamy fava bean puree with just a hint of truffle, to the microgreens grown in their indoor hydroponic farm — the first in the UK! Whatever you choose, make sure you pair it with one of their natural wines, and then come back for an amazing plant-based brunch on the weekend!

The Roundhill Pub

100 Ditchling Rd, Brighton BN1 4SG
This vegan pub is well known for its hearty Sunday roast menu! If you’re unfamiliar with this iconic British dish, it usually features a heavy amount of beef; it’s easy to see why most vegans wouldn’t enjoy the traditional fare unless you come to Roundhill!

The Sunday roast menu features multiple meaty options and is loaded with all the traditional sides — Yorkshire pudding, herb potatoes, root mash, gravy, and so much more. No worries if you don’t make it on a Sunday because their regular menu features burgers, pasta, and even an aubergine “fillet.” 

Happy Maki 

23 Sydney St, Brighton BN1 4EN
This vegan sushi spot is reinventing fish-free seafood and what it means to be an ethical and compassionate community partner. Everything on their menu is gluten-free, fish-free, and mostly raw. The owner’s developed the concept from their love of the ocean and the need to protect it. This plant-based spot is also a non-profit.

All the prices reflect the actual cost to make the dish — you can pay the going rate, 5% more or less. If you give more, they will donate it to a selection of charities on a mission to help children and the environment.

Terre à Terre 

71 East St, Brighton BN1 1HQ
This vegetarian restaurant has been delighting the taste buds of Brightonians since the early 90s! Their sophisticated veggie-forward menu features a selection of small and large plates with a tantalizing mix of globally inspired flavors. Whether you want to sink your teeth into steamed buns with spicy Mapo tofu or go earthy with a savory ‘shroom medley, you can! They also offer vegan high tea service, but reservations are required.   

Food for Friends 

17-18 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HF
This award-winning vegetarian restaurant is a gorgeous spot for a memorable dining experience. Their menu focuses on local and seasonal produce to create a mesmerizing array of veggie-packed dishes, from sweet summer peas sauteed in confit garlic to smokey charred cabbage topped with house-made cashew cheese. There is no end of unique dishes to sample — luckily, they have a small plates section just for that!

No Catch 

127a Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FA
Fish-free sushi is one thing, but fish-free fish?! That sounds like a Herculean challenge, but one that No Catch is up to battle! If you’ve been interested in a basket of salty chips and a piece of smokey vegan fried fish, you have to check out this spot; it’s Brighton’s only vegan fish and chips shop! Their menu features a creative selection of fishy faves — Tofish, Cod, Haddock, Saveloy, Prawnz, and much more. 

Kusaki 

5-6 Circus Parade, New England Rd, Brighton BN1
From the Zen-like Japanese garden atmosphere, complete with a flowering cherry blossom tree, to the inventive take on traditional Japanese dishes, you might not want to leave! The menu includes colorful, seasonal dishes, including small plates, sushi, sashimi, curries, and more. If it’s your first visit, it might be a little overwhelming so dive into a few popular small plates like Dashi Tofu and the spicy Bang Banh Tenderstem to get started. 

Oowee Vegan 

23 Market St, Brighton BN1 1HH
The neon green sign will beckon you off the street to check out this fully vegan fast-food joint! Enjoy beefy burgers, crispy chick’n, loaded French fries, onion rings, and more! And, if you just can’t decide, check out their “build your meal” feature to figure out just what your taste buds are craving. 

Beelzebab

11-12 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3WA
Located inside The Hope and Ruin Pub is this vegan junk food spot! While most junk food spots focus on reinventing the burger, this spot has taken a different approach with a crazy assortment of loaded French fries, hot dogs, and even doner! Come hungry and dive into a creative basket of Chippy Tea (fries topped with peanut satay and raspberry chili jam), then grab a Dirty Kraut (tofu dog with seitan doner, chili sauce, sauerkraut, crispy onion, mustard, ketchup, and pickles). I doubt you’ll be hungry after that!

Purezza 

12 St James’s St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1RE
The award-winning vegan Neapolitan pizzeria will knock your socks off — there isn’t a boring slice of ‘za in the place! Their wood-fired pizzas are made with special flour imported from Italy and then topped with a mouthwatering array of toppings — house-made cheeses, truffles, pancetta, pepperoni, honey, egg, and so much more.

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, check out their small plates, which feature decadent pasta, salads, and more.

What The Pitta

14 East St, Brighton BN1 1HP
The home of the UK’s first vegan doner! This traditional veganized meat is wrapped into a fluffy house-made pita wrap or jazzes up a basic salad with creamy tzatziki, hummus, spices, peppers, and more! Aside from doner, they also serve up crispy chick’n burgers, wraps, falafel, fries, and more!

Like I said earlier, Brighton has a serious abundance of delectable vegan options — there is just no way I could list them all. Instead, here are a few of my favorite vegan-friendly spots that won’t disappoint and offer everything from pancakes to traditional Cornish pasty! 

Nowhere Man

53 Upper N St, Brighton BN1 3FH
There isn’t a better way to start the day than with a stack of light and fluffy vegan pancakes! This eclectic coffee house meets American pancake house can fulfill those cravings. Their vegan menu features a selection of pancakes (that are also gluten-free) that are topped with blueberry compote and served with all-American favorites like vegan bacon, tofu eggs, and of course, piping hot cups of specialty coffee. 

17 Grams

12d Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB
Right in the heart of The Lanes is this veggie-friendly coffeehouse. Whether you’re interested in an oat milk latte with a sweet vegan pastry or want to sit down for a hearty vegan English breakfast or selection of savory toasts, you can! They also have great vegan options for lunch if you just don’t get out of bed in time for breakfast!

Wolfox + The Six

Multiple locations throughout Brighton
This collection of veggie-friendly restaurants and cafes throughout Brighton are incredible spots to kick start your day! You can go light with a berry-filled acai or buckwheat porridge bowl, but for a vegan breakfast to banish the hangry blues, check out their vegan and gluten-free pancakes or field breakfast (a veggie-forward take on an English breakfast). 

Cornish Pasty Shop

24 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UP
If you thought you’d have to miss out on these buttery, flaky pasties, think again! Their lineup of vegan hand pies are filled with seasoned veggies, and they even have traditional vegan sausage rolls. After one of these savory delicacies, you’ll want something sweet (for balance, of course!), and they have something for that too! Their vegan sweets rotate regularly and include rich, fudgy Oreo brownies, carrot cake, and more.

If you thought, where are the sweet treats!? You’re in luck! There are multiple spots in Brighton for a vegan sugar rush.

V360

Kings Road Arches, 112, Brighton BN1 2LN
This is the only fully vegan ice cream shop in Brighton, and it’s home to the iconic vegan Mr. Whippy (similar to vanilla soft serve but a little lighter and tastes closer to whipped cream). Aside from Mr. Whippy, they also serve sorbet and other vegan snacks. 

Glazed — Next Level Donuts & Coffee

25 Ditchling Rd, Brighton BN1 4SB
This vegan donut shop gets up early and makes these fluffy little pieces of dough heaven, fresh every day! They create specialty flavors regularly, but their traditional lineup always includes Biscoff, Notella, and strawberry coconut.

Boho Gelato

6 Pool Valley, Brighton BN1 1NJ
This vegan-friendly gelato shop makes all its flavors by hand and has a great selection of creative vegan flavors like sour cherry, chocolate raspberry brownie, peanut butter salted caramel, coconut cardamom, and more.

The World Famous Pump Room

121-122 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN
This beach café is the perfect place for seaside views and to enjoy one of their house-made vegan ice creams! 

Cielo Cakery

36 Church St, Brighton BN1 1RL
While I didn’t find a fully vegan bakery in Brighton, I did find this fantastic vegan-friendly spot! Every day you’ll always find an assortment of yummy vegan cake jars, cupcakes, brownies, and more. They also have vegan and gluten-free sweets.

Now that you have a lengthy list of places to eat, it’s time to get shopping! Check out these lovely independent boutiques for various vegan shoes, clothing, and even perfume. Aside from these shops, you’ll also find a ton of vintage shops — you never know what you might find in one of those!

Vegetarian Shoes 

12 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UP
For over 30 years, this vegetarian shoe shop (aptly named, right?) has been encouraging people to make their footwear moo-free! Their shop includes styles all designed by the owners and created under their own Vegetarian Shoe label. If you happen to live in the UK, you can order online, but for everyone else, you’ve got to visit. 

The FAIR Shop 

6 Dukes Ln, Brighton BN1 1BG
This vegan-friendly Fair-Trade shop works with a network of brands and artists to stock its shelves with sustainable men’s and women’s wear. If you find wool or leather in the store, it has been created from recycled products, and nothing new has been produced for the item. Aside from clothing, they also have beautiful jewelry, some of which have been created from recycled paper.  

Eden Perfumes

26 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UP
If you’re looking to create a signature scent or want to recreate a popular one, come here! All their fragrances are vegan and cruelty-free and range from bright and citrusy to woodsy musk. They also sell their own creative blends and candles.

Even if you don’t really need to do any grocery shopping, checking out these vegan and vegan-friendly markets is always fun (or at least, I think so!). 

Kindly of Brighton 

110-114 Dyke Rd, Hove, Brighton BN1 3TE
This vegan market has just about everything you need, from lattes to yogurt! I enjoyed perusing the shelves of vegan chocolates, wine, prepared foods, cheeses, snacks, and more. 

Seven Cellars 

104 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 3JD
You’d think wine was one of those things that was just naturally vegan, right? I mean, it’s just fermented grapes! Wrong! If you want to make sure you avoid gelatin or fish bladder in your wine, check out the selection here. This wine shop specializes in natural wines and marks its vegan options (staff can also point out options). 

Infinity Foods

25 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YA
This lovely co-op has just about everything you could need — bath products, fresh bread, cheese, and more. Their bakery section features excellent vegan options like focaccia, sausage rolls, croissants, shortbread, and more.

Brighton isn’t an enormous town, so don’t fret too much about choosing the perfect location — just about anywhere around town will be perfect. One thing you need to remember is the time of year; the summer is the high season for Brighton, which means prices will be high! I stayed across the water for well under $100 a night; it was perfect! But that same spot is probably double the price in the summer.

Queens Hotel Brighton

1-3 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NS
This beautiful boutique hotel not only offers a vegan menu at their onsite restaurant but also has a spa, leisure club, and an indoor swimming pool! It’s also in steps from the sea front and many awesome vegan restaurants!

Book Your Stay

#1 Go on a vegan food tour

How often can you visit a city and find a vegan food tour?! Hardly ever! In Brighton, you’re in for a treat. This 3-hour food tour takes you around town, stopping to sample chocolate, street food, pie, beer, and much more! You cover about three miles of the city, so wear comfortable walking shoes. 

#2 Hang out by the sea and learn about Brighton’s wind farm

The Brighton seafront offers miles of walking and biking paths (make sure you choose the right path; you will get run over!) and gorgeous views. While gazing out into the ocean, you will see a tiny wind farm that is making a significant impact on this eco-friendly UK city! The wind farm comprises over 100 wind turbines that can power half of the homes in Sussex!

To learn more about climate change and how Brighton is working to combat it, visit the Rampion visitor center, which is located right by the i360. The center is free to visit and includes an interactive experience of the wind turbines — it was cool!

#3 Visit the vegan market at the Open Market

The Open Market is the only covered market in Brighton located in the middle of the London Road shops. It is home to over 45 independent shops, food stalls, artists’ studios, and it hosts many events, including the monthly vegan market! 

On the last Sunday of every month, the Open Market hosts countless vegan vendors with loads of food, housewares, beauty products, and much more! If you don’t visit on the last Sunday of the month, it’s still worth a visit, even if it’s just for the delicious falafel and vegan eats at Smorl’s Houmous Falafel & Salad Bar.

#4 Get a bird’s eye view of Brighton

I wasn’t going to do this, but a guide shared that although it is pricey, The British Airways i360 is the best spot to see the entire coast from beyond Hove to the Seven Sisters. I don’t love heights (you go up 450 feet), but it was stable, and on a bright, clear day, the views are spectacular. 

#5 Take a day trip to the Seven Sisters

If you’d like to get out of the city and explore more of the gorgeous coast, don’t miss the Seven Sisters in The South Downs National Park. The park is home to lush rolling green fields and imposing white chalk cliffs with the shimmering blue sea in the background. 

Starting at the Seven Sisters Country Park visitors center, you can bike some trails, hike, or hop in a kayak. Getting to the park from Brighton by bus is relatively easy. Hop on one of the coastal buses from the seafront, and it will take you to the county park; the bus ride is about an hour. 

One important note, if you hike from the visitor’s center along the coast, you can go for quite a distance! I made the amateur mistake and didn’t plan ahead and just kept walking to the Birling Gap, which is about 4 miles. I didn’t want to hike back, but the problem was that city buses don’t come to the Birling Gap on the weekend — I ended up having quite the adventure getting back to Brighton. If you’d rather skip the bus and head out with an experienced guide, multiple tour options explore the area on foot and by electric bike.

It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll fall in love with the coastal beauty; when that happens, another UK destination you’ll want to visit is Cornwall (it’s a little over five hours by car or seven by train from Brighton).

If you’re planning more vegan adventures, don’t miss these other guides and articles!

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