VegfestUK Brighton takes over the Hilton Metropole on Kings Road on Saturday 7 November 2026, from 11am to 6pm, and food is one of its biggest draws. VegfestUK has sent ImJustBrighton its top five food picks for the day, from handmade vegan cheese to Japanese matcha lattes. This guide goes through each one, then covers the Food Village, tickets and what to know before you go.
These five were chosen by the organisers, not by ImJustBrighton, and we have not tasted them. Descriptions of each trader come from VegfestUK and the traders’ own listings, and we say so where it matters. One of the five, Just Be Kind, is also a sponsor of the event, which is explained below.
For the wider picture of the day, including who is speaking and why the show is back in Brighton, read our interview with founder Tim Barford.
VegfestUK Brighton 2026 top 5 food picks at a glance
The five traders VegfestUK recommends, with the show details in one place. The graphic is free to save and share.
Inside the Food Village
VegfestUK describes its Food Village as dedicated to artisan vegan food, and founder Tim Barford’s email to ImJustBrighton calls it “worth the admission fee alone”.
How many traders? VegfestUK told us there are over 110. The public traders page, which mixes food stalls with skincare, pet, charity and campaign groups, lists about 100 names today, so VegfestUK’s own count is higher than the page currently shows.
MooLàLà: handmade vegan cheese
MooLàLà describes itself as a small-batch vegan cheese maker creating dairy-free cheeses without cruelty. On its VegfestUK listing, it says every wheel, wedge and spread is handmade using nuts, cultures and time, inspired by classic French styles and a love of fermentation.
VegfestUK’s pick has a clear audience in mind: people who want to drop dairy but still miss cheese. The organisers say to expect creamy bloomy rinds and rich, umami-packed flavours. MooLàLà’s own website is moolala.uk.
Other food names on the traders page
The five picks are a starting point. Names on the Brighton traders page that point to food and drink include Puri O’ Clock, Sri Lankish, Joy’s Caribbean Fusion, Japanese Cafe An-An, No Moo Bakes, Golden Glaze Doughnuts, Panettone Paolo, Dandy’s Raw Choc and Slab Artisan Fudge. We only have the names, so check each trader’s own listing on the VegfestUK traders page for what they sell.
Vegan Sweet Tooth: Italian artisan cakes
Vegan Sweet Tooth calls itself the first and only itinerant Italian artisan vegan patisserie, bakery and deli in the UK. That is the business’s own claim, which we have not independently checked.
On its VegfestUK listing, the business says everything is homemade from scratch, with no palm oil, preservatives or artificial colours and flavours, and that it offers gluten-free options. It takes orders for custom cakes and catering. Online orders can be collected in Thornton Heath, south London, or delivered inside the M25, and its website is vegansweettooth.co.uk.
What the founder says to eat
When we interviewed Barford before the show, he named his own lunch tip: the Chappers Cheesecakes, which he called “divine”, and a dhal and rice at the end of the day.
Between them, VegfestUK’s five picks cover cheese, cakes, cheesecake and drinks, plus something for the pets at home.
Chappers Cheesecake: vegan cheesecakes in many flavours
Chappers Cheesecake is listed on the VegfestUK site with a website at chapperscheesecake.com. VegfestUK describes its vegan cheesecakes as coming in a variety of flavours and textures, and calls them “outrageously satisfying”.
The organisers say they show plant-based food does not mean a compromise on taste, and that they are likely to impress even sceptical visitors. Anyone with allergies or questions about ingredients can ask the stall on the day.
New to vegan food? Start here
VegfestUK’s email describes the food picks as “a perfect introduction for people new to plant based lifestyles”, as well as something for long-term vegans.
In our interview, Barford said 95% of people who are not yet vegan and visit VegfestUK shows leave with a very positive impression. That figure is his own, about VegfestUK shows in general, and we cannot check it. Under 16s go free, with no ticket needed.
Seijaku Matcha: matcha and hojicha lattes
Seijaku, which the brand says means stillness, is a premium Japanese matcha and hojicha brand. On its VegfestUK listing, it says grassy, bitter matcha is a preparation problem rather than a flavour problem, fixed with the right water temperature and whisking.
According to the listing, its lattes are made fresh with ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha, oat milk and house-made fruit syrups: Banana Bread, Mango, Blueberry, Strawberry and Spiced Chai. It also lists a Summer Coolers range of lemonades. The brand’s website is seijakumatcha.co.uk.
Tickets, opening hours and getting in
When. Saturday 7 November 2026, 11am to 6pm.
Where. Hilton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton.
Tickets. £10 plus booking fee in advance, or £12 on the door, from the VegfestUK ticket page. Under 16s go free and do not need a ticket.
Offer. The ticket page lists a buy one get one half price offer for October, running to 31 October.
Dogs. The ticket page says no dogs are permitted at the venue.
More November events across Brighton and Hove are in our events guide for November and December.
Just Be Kind: plant-based dog and cat food
Just Be Kind makes plant-based dog and cat food, and it is listed both as a trader and as a sponsor of VegfestUK Brighton. VegfestUK’s email includes it in the top five, so we are saying plainly that the brand also sponsors the event.
Its VegfestUK listing says its food is recommended by vet Dr Arielle Griffiths, and quotes her saying she believes in “a kinder, healthier way to feed our dogs”. The brand’s website is justbekind.co.uk.
VegfestUK’s email also says there is a lot of research behind plant-based diets for dogs and cats. ImJustBrighton has not assessed that claim, and anyone thinking about changing a pet’s diet can ask their vet.
Dog food, but no dogs
Visitors with dogs should note that no dogs are permitted at the venue, according to the VegfestUK ticket page, even though dog and cat food is on sale.
Just Be Kind is also on the main speakers stage at 12.30pm. Dr Arielle Griffiths is listed for a talk called “Celebrating Our Dogs and Cats Living Longer Healthier Lives”. The talk description says a complete plant-based diet could help pets live longer and have a better quality of life. That is the claim as listed by VegfestUK, and we have not verified it.
Beyond the food: what else is on
VegfestUK’s official poster lists a vegan food village, plant-based lifestyle talks, animal rights and activism talks, a main speakers stage, a performance stage, a campaigns area, a marketplace, a balcony with sanctuaries and charities, live music, spoken word and comedy.
VegfestUK names actor Peter Egan and entrepreneur Heather Mills among the people taking part.
What is next from VegfestUK
After Brighton, VegfestUK’s own list shows London Vegan Fayre on Saturday 5 December at Kensington Town Halls in London, and Vegfest Free Birmingham on Saturday 1 May 2027 in Edgbaston. Barford told us a date for VegfestUK Brighton in 2027 is confirmed and due to be announced.
More stories about the show are collected under our Vegfest tag.
Comments
No comments yet. Start the conversation.