Cock Inn at Mugginton vegan special review.

Review by Ria Amber Tesia, Food Writer

According to a recent survey, 3.5 million British people identified as being vegan. There has been a massive spike in plant-based cuisine, with high profile vegans including Benedict Cumberbatch, Liam Hemsworth and Beyoncé championing the vegan cause.

According to a recent survey, 3.5 million British people identified as being vegan. There has been a massive spike in plant-based cuisine, with high profile vegans including Benedict Cumberbatch, Liam Hemsworth and Beyoncé championing the vegan cause.

It is however, more than celebrity endorsement which can be attributed to the increased numbers flocking towards a vegan lifestyle. People can be drawn to veganism for a host of reasons, with benefits ranging from ethical living to a healthier diet. Restaurants are listening to what diners want, hence there being an increased offering of vegan dishes on menus across the country.

Now, my experience of non-regular menus, be they gluten-free or vegan, is that the offerings – till now – have been pared down.

One such eatery that is going all out to celebrate veganism and court vegan diners in the process, is The Cock Inn Mugginton. A gastro-pub traditionally serving dishes including steaks, burgers and fish, this avant garde eatery has now dedicated a full, standalone menu to vegan dishes.

A whole gamut of dishes has been veganised, from a tofu-based Buddha Bowl, to baked cheesy mushrooms. A significant point is that vegan cheese – good vegan cheese – is not readily available and unfortunately not mainstream. Yet this ingredient sits loud and proud on what seems to be one of the most enticing dishes on the menu.

I started with baked cheesy mushrooms (pine nut and pesto stuffing). These delicious mushrooms were slightly fibrous and meaty in texture rendering an excellent bite. They were also very filling too, the size of each mushroom, of which there were three on the plate, being palm-sized. The cheesy topping was a winner and I would never have guessed that the gloriously gooey cheese was vegan.

My main of Thai red curry (tofu, aubergine, mushroom, steamed rice) was wonderfully sparky, hints of fragrant lemongrass and ginger punching through the sweet and sour sauce.

Dessert of ice-cream was a lovely end to a delightful meal. I especially liked the vanilla scoop, which I thought to be luxuriously creamy. Great taste coupled with lovely presentation and a gorgeous biscuit crumb was perfect.

The vegan menu at The Cock Inn Mugginton is one for vegans and omnivores alike. From all the dishes, from both vegan and omnivore menus at The Cock Inn Mugginton, the baked cheesy mushroom dish was my favourite. I could happily eat a bowl of this and still ask for seconds.

The Cock Inn Mugginton is a country-inn gastro-pub with a comforting, luxe vibe. It celebrates the best of vegan food, and the full menu dedicated to plant-based dishes is testament to this. A visit is highly recommended – I dare you not to fall in love with those mushrooms.

• Food: 9.5
• Ambience: 9
• Service: 9

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