More people than ever are taking part in trends like “Veganuary” but as we move into February your New Years resolutions may be waning. So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a brand new convert to a more plant-based life The Malverns is the perfect spot to re-ignite your passion for tofu! With plentiful health food and opportunities for walking, running, cycling and other sports a staycation in The Malverns means rejuvenation for mind, body and the planet.
Veggie and Vegan Cafes and Health Food
The Malverns has always been somewhat of a hub for health food with Great Malvern boasting two fantastic whole foods shops Greenlink and The Brantub (established in 1978). At the Greenlink café you can find organic, vegan food made from scratch including hearty soups and vegan versions of all your favourite cakes drizzled with vegan custard.
The well loved, historic St Anne’s Well café, perched on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, has a completely veggie and vegan menu and makes a lush pit stop for walkers and cyclists on a health kick. Refuel in the fresh air at their Italianesque tiered garden seating.
For the cutting edge of vegan options the newly opened Rise to Health in Great Malvern is a one stop shop for modern vegan food and movement classes. Their food is creative enough to tempt even the biggest meat-lover with gluten free “Rainbow Pancake’s” and “Tofu Benedict” ready for the taking. Movement sessions and Holistic Health Coaching are also on offer to take your wellbeing to the next level.
Set on an organic farm The Fold is an ideal example of how our world must change to tackle the climate crisis. This pioneering centre, among other things, houses a community of studio shops, local businesses and artisans along side a seasonal vegetarian café. Ingredients are locally sourced with milk and dairy products from an organic dairy in Tewkesbury, and much of the fruit and veg coming directly from the onsite farm.
Plant Based Evening Options
Gone are the days of limited plant-based options for an evening meal. Great Malvern’s premier restaurant L’ Amuse Bouche at The Cotford Hotel has recently announced a new and extended vegetarian and vegan menu. Plant eaters will be spoilt for choice with main courses including baked avocado and cashew nuts with sun-dried tomatoes and wild mushrooms and a delicious sounding baked brie tart.
Trendy tapas joint Bar Limón has a generous offering of veggie and vegan dishes; with the Spanish tapas theme of small dishes making it perfect for keeping mixed carnivore and veggie groups happy. Pile the table high with nachos, Chilean breads and dips, patatas bravas and crispy spinach croquetas and walk away satisfied.
Or how about learning to become the head chef yourself? It can be easy to make the same old favourites again and again so branch out with some lessons at Our Lizzy’s 100% Vegan Cookery School. Lizzy offers small group cookery lessons with a wide choice of themes and ingredients; classes are suitable no matter your cooking ability or vegan status. Use your new skills to throw a veganized dinner party in one of Malvern’s stunning self-catering holiday lets.
Work Up An Appetite
Of course, delicious nourishing food is only part of keeping your body heathy. The Malverns is a great place to holiday if you’re looking to keep up your running routine, are a keen mountain biker or just like to fill your days with invigorating walks.
Naturally, you can’t beat a walk or run on the glorious Malvern Hills where certain routes double as an opportunity to take in the scenery as well as a significant thigh workout! For steep walk training try parking at North Quarry Car Park and taking the steps going straight up past the Clock Tower. Not to worry if a stroll is more your speed – there are walks for every ability available to search on our Walk Finder. What’s more, keen walkers can still grab a ticket to this summers Malvern Hills Walking Festival.
Across The Malverns are many lovely environments for cycling. The Malvern Hills themselves have a number of signposted mountain biking routes for speed-seeking racers to get their practice in. Or, head to the Teme Valley for some fine – and largely flat – routes around the Severn plain.
After all that excitement, wind down with a restorative yoga practice at Great Malvern Yoga. This welcoming central Great Malvern studio provides a space to relax the mind while strengthening the body. With classes from Beginners Flow to the more advanced Healing Kundalini Yoga, where breathing techniques are explored, this makes a chilled end to your healthy holiday.
