Sheffield mayor gives thumbs up to plant-based restaurant

One of the first people to test out what was on offer at the eating establishment was the Lord Mayor of Sheffield.

For him, this was his introduction to the world of plant-based cooking and it was given a major thumbs up.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Tony Downing, joined scores of guests at the formal unveiling of Kelham Island’s brand new V.Or.V. restaurant.

The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews as an “accessible” vegan and vegetarian restaurant which is proving just as popular with meat-eaters wanting a healthy alternative.

Matt and Nick Burgess managed some of Sheffield’s largest and liveliest chain pubs before turning their backs on the world of mainstream lager and junk food menus to launch V.Or.V. in the historic Wharncliffe Works, on Cornish Place in the Kelham Island area of Sheffield.

Nick Burgess said: “The Lord Mayor was thorough impressed with the food and admitted it was his first visit to a plant-based restaurant.

“We’re all about accessibility so welcoming someone for their first vegetarian meal is perfect for us.”

V.Or.V. proved hugely popular with followers of Veganuary – the movement that encourages people to try being vegan for the month of January.

With a great range of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, is was also a popular night out for people undertaking ‘Dry January’ and other health-conscious New Year resolutions.

V.Or.V. features a great range of beers from local brewers such as Abbeydale brewery, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options available.

The restaurant offers a great range of quality, low alcohol drinks; it prioritises re-usable items and even its uniforms are vegan.

V.or.V is a coffee house by day and a restaurant by night, reflective of the change in menus and ambience.

Matt said: “We wanted to market a place for everyone - not having to alienate people.”

The brothers have spent 10 years in the hospitality trade in various sports bars and pubs throughout the city but they decided just over two years ago that they ‘wanted to do something completely different’.

He added: “We wanted change - a different outlook on hospitality.”

For more information, please visit www.vorvsheffield.co.uk. Also look up the restaurant on Facebook.