Meeting up with my childhood best friend in Bath posed a culinary challenge—she’s vegan, and traditional steakhouses or fish and chips were off the table. Thankfully, I found Plant. Eat. Licious., or PAL, a hidden gem nestled in the basement of the Chapel Arts Centre.
Don’t let its location fool you. Descending the stairs reveals a bright, lush haven filled with greenery that transforms the space into Bath’s greenest hangout. Mint-colored walls, hanging plant pots, and a whole wall dressed in synthetic grass create an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
PAL functions as both a café and a restaurant, offering everything from pancakes in the morning to afternoon tea (pre-booked), and a cheeky glass of wine in the evening. As a food critic, I set aside debates around the ethics or environmental aspects of veganism—my focus was purely on good food and company.
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For starters, I tried a flat white made with almond milk (£3.50). The nutty, sweet notes from the almond milk gave a lovely twist to my usual coffee and proved surprisingly enjoyable.
For lunch, I ordered the ‘lamb’ Kofka—a dish featuring meat-free lamb meatballs served with pitta, golden fries, salad, and vegan tzatziki (£13.95). To my surprise, the meatballs tasted remarkably like the real thing. Only a slight mushroomy hint hinted at its plant origin, but the texture and succulence were spot on. The pitta was perfect, and the vegan tzatziki was indistinguishable from the traditional yogurt-based version.
What stands out most about PAL’s menu is its inclusivity. This plant-based approach doesn’t just cater to vegans; it opens doors for lactose-intolerant people, those with egg or seafood allergies, and offers a menu more likely suitable for Halal or Kosher diets. While no eatery suits everyone, PAL comes incredibly close, especially in Bath.
So whether you’re vegan or just open-minded about food, PAL provides a wonderful, flavour-packed experience in a unique setting. Open seven days a week, it’s definitely worth a visit.