Susy Douch and her family enjoy a plant-based treat at Bath’s newest vegan cafe
There was certainly a good following wind that blew us down to Moorland Road but the welcome inside the Vegan Cafe from Reluca couldn’t have been warmer.
The cafe, situated in Moorland Road, Bath, opened in August last year and has been receiving great reviews and good support from locals. Although we had previously been in to take a look, we hadn’t stopped for food so here was a wonderful opportunity to escape the stormy weather for a family lunch.
Inside the decor is simple, comfortable and bright, with a variety of seating options including bar stools and a cosy mini sofa, as well as standard tables and chairs. The toilets (checked out by my youngest several times after downing his drink rather hastily!) are bright and clean with a useful step stool provided for younger family members. If you’re seeking some reading material and recipe inspiration, there are also magazines, including of course, The Bath & Wiltshire Parent!
It was clear from the start, that Reluca is well-informed and passionate about the benefits of a vegan diet, but without any sense of pressure. The cafe has a lovely, homely atmosphere and the children were welcomed and relaxed. The majority of the food is home-cooked alongside some externally-sourced products such as pasties, sausage rolls and snacks.
The menu board displayed an excellent variety making our mealtime choice a difficult one. In the end, my husband chose the much-acclaimed ‘cheese’ burger with a jacket potato alongside, my daughter opted for the chickpea curry with rice, and the boys both had pasties, one with mash, peas and gravy, the other just plain. Lighter options are also available including soup and a whole variety of choices on toast.
There is also a wide variety of chilled drinks available, as well as coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate and freely-available water. All of the hot drinks are available with a choice of milks at no extra cost.
Aside from the large breakfast (available until 12pm), all items are priced at less than £6, making a family meal out a very reasonable and affordable. Portion sizes are really good, although my husband was pleased that he’d ordered a jacket potato to go with his burger.
The main courses arrived quickly and efficiently, with my family clearly enjoying every mouthful. The food was well prepared and flavoursome, with certainly no feeling that we were missing out due to a lack of meat.
With the main course swiftly consumed, we were tempted by the delicious cakes on offer which, at the time of our visit, included chocolate cake, apple pie and caramel sponge, the latter also being gluten-free. We opted for the caramel sponge, attractively topped with jam and sprinkles, and the chocolate cake. The sponge is made by Reluca’s mother, Valentina, and is beautifully light and absolutely delicious.
In addition to the food and snacks available, there is a small and interesting selection of ethical and vegan products to buy such as wooden straws, bags, eco-cups, pin badges, jewellery, homemade candles (again made by Reluca’s mother) and even wooden sunglasses!
We left after a long and relaxed lunch with full tummies and the definite promise to return again in the very near future. If you’re vegan, you’ll be happily spoiled for choice. If you’re not, I doubt that you’ll be disappointed. This is really good, affordable food, served with warmth and friendliness.