'There's definitely a greater want for plant-based food these days.'
A family-run Liverpool restaurant hidden inside a cosy basement is officially Britain's best vegan venue.
The restaurant, which began its underground movement inside the former legendary nightclub Le Bateau in 2017, was nominated for 'best vegan eatery' in the British Restaurant Awards 2023, and took home the grand prize in the London finals on Tuesday.General manager Rikki Baker, who runs Down The Hatch with her brother Jay and brother-in-law Conrad Sharp, said: "This was an award that I really, genuinely thought wasn't for us.
"It really has been hard. Everyone is going through tough times, we're not the only ones. We see big business not as busy as they used to be, so when it comes to small guys like us it's even harder because we've never been as big anyway. So to get that recognition and be seen is just a massive win." Rikki said the demand for vegan cuisine has risen in recent years, with more vegan eateries opening up despite the challenges faced by small businesses amid the cost of living crisis.