We’ve often wondered what our town has to offer those who chose a vegan lifestyle, so we met up with Kay who has been 100% vegan for over 4 years. We ate lunch at The Plant Base on Camden Road to discuss the pros and cons of choosing an alternative diet…

What brings you to Tunbridge Wells?

I have lived in Tunbridge Wells close to five years. My partner and I were living in London but needed somewhere affordable to buy that had a good commuter line. We live in High Brooms, very close to the train station.

Why and when did you ‘go vegan’?

I became vegan in February 2014 after 21 years of being a vegetarian. I had such a love of cheese that I never thought I would be able to do it! But I wanted to give it a try, and so I gradually phased things out.

What’s your vegan philosophy?

Well, I am vegan for the animals (a vegan term to denote people who aren’t doing it solely for health reasons), so my philosophy is to try and live my life with little to no animal suffering at all.

What does an average work day look like to you?

I commute to Hampstead in North West London, so an average day sees me waking up at 5.30am, leaving the house by 6 and arriving to work at 7.35. I am a Reception teacher in a Pre-Prep school, so my day is always busy! I leave work at 4, and I am in High Brooms by 5.35. Quite often I go straight to the gym, then home, dinner with my partner at 7.30, bit of tv and then in bed by 9-9.30!

Where’s the best vegan places in Tunbridge Wells?
1. The plant base – a completely vegan café.
2. Kai’s kitchen – the vegan pad Thai is amazing!
3. The Guinea pub – a great vegan burger and beer.

What positive or negative impacts has veganism had on your life? Would you recommend it to others?

I would totally recommend being vegan to others. I don’t ram my views down people’s throats, but if asked about my ethics, then I explain.

Positive impacts first!

· I lost close to three stone in weight

· I am much healthier

· I feel better about myself and my impact on the planet

· My acne cleared up and hasn’t come back!

Negative

· Everyone has a say on your diet, some will just try and pick holes in everything you say or do.

· It can be difficult to always take the ethical route. I now try and take herbal tablets for my awful hay fever, and for period pain but it doesn’t always work the same.

· Trying to find food at service stations, smaller towns and sometimes abroad.

Do you think that being vegan has a wider impact on our local community?

In the time I have been vegan, I have seen a massive increase in vegan food and ethics in Tunbridge Wells. I think it makes people more aware of our planet and the damage being done. There are now vegan fairs held near by which not only sell food, but ethical household and beauty products.

What are your five top ‘fail-safe’ vegan tips?

· Do the best you can, and don’t get involved in vegan “outrage” online. It isn’t about being the best, but about doing as well as is manageable for you.

· Accept that sometimes you will be eating salad and chips when going out for dinner!

· Don’t think being vegan is expensive all the time. All the supermarkets have their own brand basic things you can buy. Plus, cooking from scratch can be simple too.

· Invest in a basic vegan cookbook. I love 15-minute vegan by Katy Beskow, and Keep it vegan by Aine Carlin. I use them all the time and they both have normal recipes with easy to get items.

· Keep an eye out for accidentally vegan things, both in clothing and with food.

Where do you do your weekly shop?

I alternate between Ocado and Sainsburys.

Is buying vegan-friendly clothing easy / stylish?

I don’t wear wool or leather, so I buy stuff from the high street, I just check the labels to see what the material is. I also buy shoes and clothes online from Fashion Conscience. I buy vegan shoes from TOMS. My vegan splurge is always on trainers, so I tend to buy Stella McCartney for Adidas, or as a real treat I just buy her brand footwear. My coat is from Vaute Couture and I always get lots of compliments about it.

What do you get up to the weekend?

We visit Fuggles in Tunbridge Wells quite a lot! They feature a huge selection of vegan beer, and even have a few vegan food options! I mainly see friends and family, go out for dinner, hit the gym, and sleep!!

Where was your last and next holiday?

Our last holiday was travelling around Mexico. Our next holiday is to Vienna in December, we are staying in an Eco/vegan friendly hotel!

What’s on the menu for Christmas dinner?

I have seen a mushroom wellington made by the boys from BOSH! They make amazing vegan food, so probably that.

What’s the hardest thing about being vegan?

Checking labels all the time. Being an ethical vegan, all my make-up, house hold products, perfume, hair colour etc are all vegan! Nothing I use is tested on animals or uses any by products.

Do you get a hard time for being vegan?

I am incredibly lucky that my partner has been very supportive. He eats mostly all vegan food at home and frequents vegan only restaurants too. My friends are brilliant too and always up for checking out vegan only places in London. I call them my vegan sympathisers!!

I have quite a thick skin with vegan comments, I just laugh it off. I am pretty proud of myself and that always makes it easier to take. I also know I couldn’t be any other way now.

Chocolate + Orange Torte, The Plant Base

If you want to ask Kay anything on the subject of veganism you can find her on the gram @kay_milky_joe

THE VEGAN EDIT

BEAUTY: TOP 10

What a BEAU!