Cooking Up Change at the Vegetarian Society HQ!
At Cheshire Cat Pubs, we know that great food starts with great ingredients—but just as important is the passion, creativity, and knowledge of the chefs behind it. That’s why we recently took our Head Chefs out of their kitchens and into the heart of plant-based innovation at the Vegetarian Society HQ!
This wasn’t just about learning how to make a ‘good’ veggie dish—it was about rethinking plant-based cooking entirely. Our chefs explored ways to create plant-rich plates that are just as exciting, delicious, and thoughtfully crafted as our meat and seafood dishes. No more predictable mushroom risottos—think heritage ingredients, bold flavors, and making the most of every part of the plant. From using beetroot stems for crunch, carrot tops in vibrant pesto, and chickpea water (aquafaba) for a silky vegan mayo, our chefs embraced sustainable, low-waste cooking that champions both the environment and flavor.
Beyond the food, this trip was a chance for our team to step back, connect, and gain fresh inspiration. We pride ourselves on promoting from within, and our Head Chefs—each of whom has worked their way up in the business—already share a strong bond. But getting out of the kitchen together, learning from experts, and seeing food from new perspectives strengthens that connection even further. The ideas, energy, and new techniques they bring back to their teams will shape the dishes on your plate in ways you might not even realize.
Of course, our commitment to plant-rich cooking isn’t just about great food—it’s about sustainability, too. We work closely with local farmers across Cheshire and Staffordshire, sourcing fresh, seasonal vegetables that reflect our shared values of environmental and social responsibility. Supporting small-scale growers means we know exactly where our food comes from, and it allows us to reduce food miles while keeping our menus packed with the best produce our countryside has to offer.
This is what we love about Cheshire Cat Pubs—our commitment to ongoing learning, team building, and always pushing for something better. Whether you’re joining us for a meal or thinking about becoming part of our team, know that here, we never settle for ‘good enough’—we always strive to learn more, do more, and serve up something truly special.
