Proving plant-based eating doesn’t have to be boring, Hypha in Chester is one of the best vegan restaurants in the UK at the moment. This Michelin-recommended spot has a cool aesthetic to go with its modern menu, with a dining room that is decked out in bright whites, slate greys and deep sage greens. There’s a centre island area where you can enjoy counter dining around the tile clad bar, or elsewhere there are low, traditional tables for more intimate gatherings. These seats are lined up against the beautiful traditionally panelled windows and are positioned under hanging exposed lightbulbs for a slightly industrial, warehouse type feel.
The menu changes regularly to reflect the season, so no two visits will ever be the same and the lunch and dinner menus vary slightly from each other day to day too. Inventive combinations see dishes like a smoked poke bowl salad with confit beetroot and seasoned sushi rice on the lunch menu as well as things like black sesame croquettes with black truffle hollandaise. For something a little more familiar, while still maintain the house signature twist, you could try the Hypha burger which combines a mushroom patty with spicy mustard greens, roast tomatoes and pickled cucumbers, and sandwiches those elements into a brioche style bun (sans le beurre, of course).
While dinner throws up many of the same dishes as earlier in the day, there are usually a few specifically designed more refined plates too, as well as an extended dessert offering. Shunning dairy doesn’t seem to have an impact on the sweet treats, with creations like gingerbread cake with poached apples and crème patisserie or lemon cheesecake on offer. Come Sunday there’s also an ever-evolving roast to plump for if you fancy a traditional lunch – the restaurant claims to have the world’s best ever gravy.