Farewell to restaurant famed for sensational plant-based dishes

I COULD never commit to veganism although I admire the principles of those who do.

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

Just don’t lecture me. Everyone is entitled to a point of view, whether it’s politics or food, just don’t get abusive.

Over the years, for the purpose of work rather than choice, I’ve tried various vegan products. One or two have been surprisingly good

- Pieminister's Mooless Pie springs to mind. But others, well... the disturbing turkey-shaped vegan Christmas dinner still makes me wince.

While I’m committed to eat less meat, I baulk at the idea of the fakery. The idea of ultra-processed proteins turned into pretend bacon, chicken and burgers doesn’t set my taste buds alight and the sight of scrambled tofu is a real turn-off.

But award-winning Nottingham restaurant No. Twelve changed my perception. Up until then I'd only experienced vegan junk. But after my visits to the elegant eatery within a redbrick Victorian mill, at Eldon Chambers, off Wheeler Gate, I fully appreciated how utterly delicious and refined plant-based food could be.

Through no fault of its own, the restaurant served its last meals on Saturday, making it a sad day for regulars. The closure has nothing to do with the demand for vegan food, it is a thriving business, but is a result of personal factors out of the control of owners Ritchie and Lauren Stainsby.