"Reimagining burgers and pizza in ways people won’t expect" - Shrooms and Stones Throw Pizza holding vegan pop-up in Southsea for Veganuary boost
Two of Portsmouth’s vegan eateries are joining forces to give people a Veganuary boost with a special street-food event.
Shroom Kitchen and Stones Throw Pizza will be setting up shop in the Back to the Belgrave pub on Albert Road from Thursday, January 22 to Saturday, January 24. Serving up a range of delicious and creative dishes, the duo will be showcasing how plant-based food can satisfy taste buds for January and beyond.
Lucy Bridgewater, owner of Shroom Kitchen said: “There’s a massive misconception that plant-based food is unsatisfying but that simply isn’t true. You only have to look at the comments under any vegan story to see how strongly some people feel about it. But I know from talking to friends and family that a lot of people simply don’t know how to cook without meat and dairy but would love to make the switch.
“Hosting the pop-up during Veganuary isn't a coincidence but an intentional moment to celebrate great-tasting vegan food with anyone looking for a different dining experience, or wanting to eat fewer animal products this January, and hopefully beyond.”
George Coleman, owner of Stones Throw Kitchen said: “Lucy and I always aim to keep our menus fresh and original. Because we’re only open for three nights, the challenge is creating dishes that feel authentic to our brands - familiar in style, but completely new in execution. It’s basically reimagining burgers and pizza in ways people won’t expect.”
Not only is the event a chance to try some plant based pizza and mushroom dishes, but also to support local Portsmouth businesses. Lucy said: “Supporting local, independent businesses is critical to the Portsmouth economy. That’s why we approached Back to the Belgrave. It’s a proper local boozer. Not owned by a brewery and free to support local artisanal brewers.”
Publican and owner of Back to the Belgrave, Steph Hunter, said: “We’ve owned the pub for over 15 years which is when we changed the name back in reference to its original 'The Belgrave Tavern'. If you’ve ever been inside it's clear this pub is a piece of history. From 1790, it even came with its own ghost.
“A previous landlady who makes herself known when she doesn’t approve of something. I'm sure she wasn’t vegan but I know she’d approve of Lucy and George bringing local businesses and people together through good food.”
Bookings can be made in advance for the Veganuary celebration at https://shroom-kitchen.resos.com/booking