We try the new menu at the Bristol cafe that’s gone completely vegan this month

Located within Hamilton House on Stokes Croft, The Canteen has become fully plant-based as part of ‘Veganuary’ this month.

‘Veganuary’ is the practice of following a plant-based lifestyle throughout the month of January.

The Canteen has sustainability at its core and is always looking at ways it can reduce its carbon footprint and impact on the planet, from the food it serves to the way it serves it, everything is carefully considered to have the lowest impact possible. 

Since 2020, The Canteen has been serving a 100 per cent vegetarian menu which they have adapted to be fully plant-based for this month.

We decided to pay The Canteen a visit on a Tuesday lunchtime to check out their vegan menu.

The large venue had both outdoor and indoor seating and an open-plan kitchen. Some of the indoor tables had plugs nearby which was the perfect spot to recharge electric devices whilst enjoying your meal or drink. 

Just under half of the tables were taken and the lunch menu could be found on the tables as well as on a chalkboard.

The menu included a soup of the day (£4.50) with house bread for an additional £1.50, chipotle BBQ tempeh with sriracha sauce slaw (£8), sandwiches of the day using freshly baked focaccia (£5), chef’s winter salad (£8), chickpea, black bean and lentil chilli, crispy polenta (£10), as well as coffees and other hot drinks and soft drinks, wines, cocktails, ciders and beers.

I decided to order white wine, cream and tarragon mushrooms, grilled focaccia, hazelnut crumb (£9), loaded potatoes, melted cheese and aioli(£7.50) and a glass of apple juice (£2.10), which was brought to the table within 12 minutes of ordering it.

The mushrooms were creamy and flavourful with a slight spicy kick, whilst the focaccia was really tender, crispy and slightly salty. It complemented the taste of the sauce and mushrooms, and overall, it was a very filling dish.

As for the loaded potatoes, I was surprised they were baby potatoes instead of chips. The baby potatoes were soft with a slightly crispy exterior which complemented the dish. The sauce was on the sweet end with a slight spicy kick, and the cheese was creamy. 

Overall, the dishes were very delicious and extremely filling. The prices were fair and the service was fast and friendly, whilst the venue was relaxing with some music being played in the background.

The Canteen, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY.