Your Veganuary guide to plant-based pub food

Have you heard of Veganuary? It’s very likely, but just in case you haven’t, let’s take a deep dive into this wonderful worldwide campaign.

Veganuary, organised by a non-profit organisation of the same name, is a plant-powered movement that encourages everyone to try going vegan for the month of January. Here at Greene King, we think this is a fantastic idea, but what’s it all about?

A brief history of Veganuary

Veganuary was founded in 2014 with one straightforward goal: to encourage more people to try a vegan diet or at least enjoy more plant-based foods. Only a few thousand people participated in the very first Veganuary, but it steadily increased in numbers each year, fuelled by the ever-growing popularity of veganism and demand for more plant-based options in restaurants and supermarkets.

In 2025, 11 years after its initial launch, Veganuary estimated that around 25.8 million people took part in the challenge. Essentially, Veganuary has done more than a decade of heavy lifting to get more greens, beans and plant-based alternatives on our plates.

Nobody's perfect 

Before you begin your Veganuary journey, it’s important to note that perfection is not the goal. One thing that it’s not about is judgment. If you want to dive right in – fantastic! If you want to start with Meat-Free Mondays and see how you go, good for you. If you want to support your friend but not give it a go yourself, that’s ok. We’ll be here serving up good times and terrific plant-based pub food to help you along your way.

Fancy giving Veganuary a go?

Going vegan, even for a month, may feel like an overwhelming commitment. But it doesn’t have to be! As we’ve already mentioned, it’s not about being perfect. And with veganism more visible and accessible than ever, getting involved couldn’t be easier!

If you’re not sure where to start, these excellent recipe ideas are a great way to kick things off, particularly if you enjoy getting creative in the kitchen. Everything, from one-pot wonders and low-effort lunches to special occasion feasts and cultural classics, can be whipped up at home. However, if you’d prefer to start your culinary adventure without the prep, planning or pots to wash, we’ve got you covered. Check out your local Greene King vegan pub to see what plant-based delights we have on the menu.

Easy swaps for Veganuary

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of going vegan for Veganuary. However, making simple swaps is an excellent place to start. So, here are some tasty alternatives you can find on our menus:

• If you want some good old-fashioned, nostalgic comfort food, our Impossible Nuggets are perfect for a snack, as a starter or alongside some tasty sides.
• If a pub burger is your go-to, our Beyond Meat Burger is a simple swap with an equally satisfying payoff – juicy, savoury and filling, just like the real deal.
• If the January chills have you feeling frosty, there’s nothing like a hearty bowl of chilli to warm you up, and our Pulled Mushroom Chilli is comfort in a bowl.
• Going vegan doesn’t mean giving up on sweet treats – our Lemon Tart makes a bright, zesty finale to any meal.
• If you love a good pie this time of year (and who doesn’t?), our rich and flaky Mushroom Tart is a fantastic alternative to the usual meat-based pub classics.

How we’re participating in Veganuary

You’re probably wondering how we fit into this whole Veganuary thing. Let’s just say we’ve noticed a pattern. Once upon a time, vegans had to tough it out with soggy side salads and cold chips as their only options when stepping out. But no more. Veganuary should be a celebration of plant-based perfection, because meat-free shouldn’t have to mean boring. We’re talking juicy stacked burgers, soul-warming pub classics and small plates with big flavour.