I do however believe that in previous years veganism has been marketed very aggressively, so it’s refreshing to see so many chefs, nutritionists, doctors and academics just talking about the black and white benefits of a plant-based diet. So, because it’s getting harder to argue with the facts, it’s not shocking that veganism gets stick in other ways such as the food ‘being bland’ because there’s no cheese, or not being juicy because there’s no meat. One place which is putting the latter comments to shame is Cowley Road’s vegan paradise: Happy Friday Kitchen. 
I’d heard about HFK before - as a veggie wanting to go down more vegan avenues it was hard to ignore the arrival of Oxford’s first 100% vegan restaurant. Inside it’s got an American diner vibe with a light and casual atmosphere - generated particularly by the dancing avocados. And, naturally, it’s very green from the plant-based food to the hanging pots of plants from the ceiling. Since my housemate was hangry and I was, as always, heinously indecisive we ordered a banquet consisting of the Happy Friday Burger (seitan with the usual suspects of garnishes), Return of The Mac (better than most dairy versions of mac and cheese I’ve had), elote (gloriously seasoned corn on the cob) and a marinara pizza. Needless to say, our banquet was devoured happily - I hate it when vegan, or even vegetarian, meals are a side note on the menu, so I was thrilled to see a good selection of meals to choose from. It was even better that when our meals arrived they were packed with flavour from the herbs and spices, and the natural taste of the vegetables themselves. HFK is comfort food combined with fresh and eco ingredients - I was left full, happy and eager to return. www.happyfridaykitchen.co.uk
