Do your research ahead of time

Once you know where you’re going, check the menu online to suss out your plant-based options. That way, there will be no unpleasant surprises when the waiter/ress asks for your order. You could even call up too, to find out how they can accommodate your dietary requirement.

Treat yourself to a fancy drink

Ok so we’re not suggesting here that you go hungry and just drink, but to feel a big part of the dining out experience (especially if the plant-based options are a bit lacklustre), treating yourself to a fancy cocktail can go a long way. Check out Barnivore for a round-up of vegan-friendly alcoholic drinks. 

When in doubt, chain it

If you’re the only vegan in the group and are trying to help decide where to eat out, opting for a chain restaurant isn’t a bad shout. Major high street chains are becoming more plant-based friendly than ever now, so you might find yourself able to eat something a bit more exciting than if you opted for somewhere a bit teenier. 

Sides are your friends

When in doubt, the sides menu really is a vegan’s best friend. Ok, so a plate of fries and an undressed side salad might not scream ‘gourmet’, but for a one off, it’s not so bad. And hey, who doesn’t like fries?!

Don’t sweat it

With that in mind, don’t let a less than amazing experience get you down. Remember that if your friends/family take you to a non-vegan-friendly restaurant, you can, by law, take them to a vegan restaurant next time. (I may have made up that law). Here’s our round-up of some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the UK.