Seeing as my post on places to find great vegan food in Norwich went down so well, I thought I’d extend the information a little and bring y’all a list of top vegan and veggie feasting spots in the wider Norfolk area. Because Norwich is wicked, but when you want to go to the beach, or head into the countryside for a decent pub lunch, it’s handy to know where you can find a decent meal that isn’t mainly comprised of meat and/or cheese.
Thankfully, the growing vegan community in this area has thoroughly spilled out into the surrounding towns and villages – so what would have been a pretty short list a few years ago is now so long, I’m going to need a lay down once I’ve finished writing. (… … …any excuse)
I did include a few spots along the Norfolk Broads in an earlier post, but read on for some of my favourite vegan food picks along the Norfolk coastline, and deep in the depths of what’s-this-village-called-again country.
The Jetty Cafe, Cromer
Go for the fried breakfasts, stay for the cake. The Jetty Cafe is a small independent cafe located just around the corner from Cromer pier and seafront, and it’s definitely worth heading to if you’re plotting a day out at the beach.
All the vegan options here are clearly labelled and priced – from super-filling fry ups to burgers, light bites and a whole range of vegan cakes and ice creams. Oh, and it’s a dog-friendly venue, so if you’re exploring with a four-legged pal they’re welcome to come inside. Find them at 11 High Street, open from 10am – 4pm 7 days a week.
The Railway Pub, Wymondham
I spent most of my teenage years in Wymondham and let me tell ya, I was pretty shocked to find out that there was anywhere to get a decent vegan meal in the area. The fact that The Railway Pub has a separate vegan section on its menu, as well as a whole vegetarian list, filled me with glee.
All of their vegan main dishes are also gluten free, so this is a handy stop-off for a lot of people. Right near the train station and walking distance to the town centre, you can find this spot at 20 Station Road, open from 11.30am – 11pm Mon-Sat and noon until 10.30pm on Sundays.
French’s, Wells-Next-The-Sea
A second seaside destination, perfect for refuelling after a hard day of sunbathing and building sandcastles, French’s is the first chippie in Norfolk to offer vegan battered sausages alongside their normal menu.
Known for being a kick-ass traditional fish and chip shop, French’s have been frying up tasty bites since 1921 – though the battered vegan sausages only made it onto the menu in 2018. It isn’t the broadest selection of vegan options you’ll find – but it’s a proper trip-to-the-beach bite to eat and a glory to come across, when many other seaside towns in Norfolk are distinctly lacking in vegan cuisine. Find them at 10 The Quay, open every day from 11.45am until 9 or 9.30 pm.
Mere Moments, Diss
Diss may not be the most glamorous destination in Norfolk, but it does have a couple of places to get good vegan food – so that’s something. As well as Amandine’s, Mere Moments are an independent local venue in Diss offering a separate vegan menu so that us plant-based eaters don’t starve.
Pick from things like a dairy-free cauliflower cheese bake, various sandwiches and toasties, baked potatoes or just cake, cake and more cake. Chilli and rice bowl? Chocolate brownie? How about a ginger marmalade cake? Pencil me in for the apple crumble. Find it all at 44 Mere Street, 8.30am until 4pm daily.
Penelope’s Cafe, Dereham
Serving locally-sourced ingredients and catering with style to vegans, veggies and gluten-free eaters, Penelope’s Cafe is a hit with Dereham’s locals and is so reasonably priced and welcoming, everyone else has gotten in on the action too.
Dereham is a stone’s throw from the historic Gressenhall workhouse, so whether you’re keen for some history or hunting ghosts, be sure to stop here for a killer savoury pancake afterwards. Find Penelope’s Cafe at 7 Norwich Street, open 9.30am until 3pm every day except Wednesday.
The Mulberry, Sheringham
While I haven’t tried the vegan fry up here, I’ve heard it’s not a bad effort. A few things that are definitely worth exploring, however, are things like the vegan Toad In The Hole and dare I say it, the nut roast.
This is the third coastal venue on this list, and Sheringham has some lovely beaches to venture on to once you’ve loaded up on vegan Shepherdess pie or a stellar Punjabi curry. Extra points for having vegan ice cream. Find them at 44c Station Road, open 9am until 3.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.
The Walnut Tree, Thwaite
Previously known as The Vegetarian Red Lion, The Walnut Tree is all veggie with plenty of vegan options. Famed for offering great service and a cosy atmosphere, you can keep it traditional with a vegetable wellington or go a little more exotic with mains like the Thai spiced black bean and carrot burger.
Caramelised onion and rosemary calzone gets my vote, and there are so many desserts it hard to know where to start – but suffice to say, you’ll want to try and save room. With gluten free options and a top kids’ menu, there’s arguably something for everyone. Come along to this pub on the Norwich Road from 11.30am to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 11pm from Tuesday to Saturday or from noon until 4.30pm on Sundays.
The Deli, Attleborough
Attleborough is another place I spent a lot of time as a teen, and damn I wish this place had have been there then. The Deli is all vegetarian and has tonnes of good vegan stuff, and as an Italian-style deli you can bank on there being incredible homemade breads and pastries alongside the other epic menu options.
Chow down on brunch, crepes and hotcakes, super salad bowls or a range of plant-based burgers. The Deli is open from 10am until 4pm at The White House in Queen’s Square.
The River Kitchen, Wroxham
I’ve mentioned The River Kitchen on this site before, in praise of their epic vegan roast dinners (which pop up at various venues around Norwich from time to time). This time they’re getting a proper shout out, for their delish vegan fry ups, chocolate brownies and other tasty morsels.
Situated right on the river, on Riverside Road no less, you’ll be hard pushed to beat this cafe for a meal with a view. Wheelchair accessible and reasonably priced, spin by to sample brunches and lunches from 9am until 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am until 4pm on weekends.
The Brick Kilns, Little Plumstead
Last, but not least: voted one of the top 10 pubs for vegetarians and vegans in the UK, the Brick Kilns have an extensive menu for herbivores and it’s packed full of glorious options.
This is a fairly traditional looking, ‘proper’ countryside pub, situated within stumbling distance of the Norfolk Broads. If you dine in the conservatory you might spot goats, donkeys, sheep and even badgers exploring the fields outside, but even if you don’t spot any wildlife, you’re still pretty much guaranteed a good meal and a great time. Find this one on the Norwich Road, open from 11am until 11pm every day of the week.
If there are any vegan-friendly venues around Norfolk (but not in Norwich) that I’ve missed, please feel free to comment below or send me a message and I’ll add them here!
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