Chef-Owner Of UK’s First Vegan Michelin-Starred Restaurant Says 95% Of Diners Are Meat-Eaters

Kirk Haworth, chef and co-owner of Plates, the UK's first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, has revealed that 95% of diners at his establishment are meat-eaters. Despite this, the restaurant, which seats approximately 25 guests, is typically fully booked weeks in advance. Haworth aims for customers to judge his food based on taste rather than the vegan label, with one diner claiming to be a "changed man" after trying the dishes.

The tasting menu at Plates includes a variety of innovative and flavorful dishes such as barbecued Maitake mushrooms, slow-cooked baby carrots, and caramelized Lions Mane mushrooms. Priced at £109 per person, the restaurant focuses on showcasing acidity, umami, and layers of flavor to make the palate feel alive. While Haworth avoids labeling his food as vegan, he and his sister Keeley founded Plates in 2024, earning a Michelin star in 2025 for their focus on creativity and innovation in plant-based cooking. They continue to refine the dining experience with the potential goal of earning a second Michelin star in the future.