Today is World Vegetarian Day, and we’re remembering vegetarianism in Cumbria.


The day was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. 
October 1 is also the first day of Vegetarian Awareness Month and people are urged to show their support by informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism.
Among these are that is has proven health benefits, helps save animals’ lives and helps to preserve the Earth.
Locally, Plant by Kat’s Kitchen vegetarian and vegan café ran successfully in Keswick for several years until it was forced to close last October.

Kat Hale, owner of Plant by Kat's KitchenKat Hale, owner of Plant by Kat's Kitchen (Image: Tom Kay)
Owner Kat Hale welcomed celebrities and mainstream media and also introduced many people across the county to the wonders of plant-based food.
However, the financial challenges posed by coronavirus and the cost-of-living crisis became too much to bear, and she was forced to abandon her dream job.

Plant by Kat's Kitchen's Awesome Shepherdess Pie topped with roast sweet potato mashPlant by Kat's Kitchen's Awesome Shepherdess Pie topped with roast sweet potato mash (Image: Tom Kay)
She wrote on Facebook: “We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our kind and compassionate customers.
“Each person who stepped through our doors, generously parting with their hard-earned money, contributed to our success.”

Plant by Kat's Kitchen chef Dan GroutPlant by Kat's Kitchen chef Dan Grout (Image: Newsquest)
Plant by Kat’s Kitchen was visited by the BBC’s Chris Packham in 2021, while it also received a glowing review from renowned food critic Grace Dent, who grew up in Carlisle.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Another Keswick venue catering for vegetarians and vegans was Lakeland Pedlar. Pictured are its vegan chocolate cake and a healthy and delicious looking salad.

(Image: Newsquest) The crowd of people at the Crown and Mitre Hotel watching Heather MillsThe crowd of people at the Crown and Mitre Hotel watching Heather Mills (Image: Newsquest) Heather Mills chats to News and Star reporter Sarah NewsteadHeather Mills chats to News and Star reporter Sarah Newstead (Image: Newsquest)

Our final set of images are of Heather Mills visiting Carlisle's Crown and Mitre Hotel with her vegetarian cookery roadshow in 2010.
She first came to public attention in 1993 when she was a model and was involved in a traffic collision with a police motorcycle in London, resulting in the amputation of her left leg below the knee.
She went on to marry former Beatle Paul McCartney in 2000, whom she divorced in 2008, before becoming involved in animal rights advocacy. Since 2012 she has been a patron of Viva! (Vegetarians’ International Voice for Animals) and the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation.