The meat-free meals, which are proving to be a hit, are cooked up by vegetarian chef, Erin Baker, from the Natural Cookery School, who has 15 years’ professional cooking experience and a deep-rooted passion for organic and seasonal ingredients.
“Meat Free Monday is a great way to showcase how creative and delicious vegetarian food is,” said Baker. “Vegetables, grains and pulses provide a variety of textures, colours and tastes, leaving the hungry eater satisfied and not missing meat.”
With the menu changing every month, diners are able to enjoy a combination of world flavours. A vegan option is available if pre-ordered.
Last month’s sell out meal, served on Monday 24 February, was Mexican Lasagne (black beans, sweet potato and chipotle sauce layered with corn tortillas) with a Lime and Cumin Coleslaw. Tonight’s meal, also sold out, is Spanokopita (Greek spinach and feta pie layered in filo pastry) served with Mediterranean Chickpea Salad and Beetroot Tzatziki.
The Crown and Sceptre landlord, Rodda Thomas, and Baker have teamed up in the kitchen in the past, with Thomas cooking the meat and Baker working on the vegetarian options and sides. They hope that their new monthly Meat Free Monday meals will attract both vegetarians and meat-eaters to the pub.
“Stroud prides itself on being a cosmopolitan town and has a good proportion of vegetarians, vegans as well as meat-eaters that enjoy a good vegetarian meal,” said Thomas. “Meat Free Monday really was an obvious thing to do”.
Next month’s meal, on Monday 28 April, will be Empanadas (South American pasties with a creamy sweetcorn filling) served with Rhubarb Salsa and Quinoa Sofrito. Food is served from 6 to 8 pm and bookings (essential) can be made by calling 01453 762 588 or emailing [email protected]. The Meat Free Monday meals cost £7.