Basement Bar Crowned Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in Britain

Liverpool basement restaurant Down the Hatch has been named the Best Vegan-Friendly Eatery in Britain at the 2023 British Restaurant Awards. Despite calling itself a "junk food bunker," the restaurant offers a seasonal menu with vegan options such as tofu curry, loaded fries, homemade soy patty and seitan burgers, and crispy mushroom and cauliflower wings. The restaurant's owner, Rikki Baker, expressed surprise at winning the award and highlighted the hard work that went into achieving this recognition.

Located near Liverpool Waterfront, Down the Hatch has a laid-back approach to vegan food, aiming to normalize the vegan dining experience for all customers, not just vegans. The menu features a mix of traditional junk food items and wholesome options, with desserts like the Cakehole Famous Biscoff Cake and Hot Apple Crumble. The restaurant's success at the British Restaurant Awards may be a sign of more accolades to come, as they are also nominated for the "Best Restaurant" award at the England Business Awards and the "Good Food Award" from Blue Ribbon.