Meet Róisín, a passionate vegan from Daventry, Northamptonshire who now calls Bristol home. As a lover of vegan cooking, theatre, music, fashion, and writing, Róisín enjoys exploring the vibrant vegan scene in Bristol. Her journey to veganism began in January 2020 when she made a new year’s resolution to become vegetarian. However, it was not until she watched the documentaries Dominion and Carnage in August of the same year that she was compelled to become vegan.
Róisín felt like she had uncovered the truth and knew there was no turning back.
Meatless Movement recently had a chance to chat with her.
Please tell us more about yourself, please
My name is Róisín and I am grew up in Daventry, Northamptonshire but I now live in Bristol (which I think is one of the best places to live as a vegan.) Along with vegan cooking I love theatre, music, fashion, and writing.
I initially went vegetarian back in January 2020 as a kind of new year’s resolution. I then watched Dominion and Carnage in August 2020 (which are very different vibes – one is about the farming industry and the other, a satirical comedy on BBC which is set in a future where everyone is vegan) and after watching them, I HAD to go vegan. I felt like I had seen the truth and there was no going back after that.
What are some difficulties encountered when searching for plant-based food options suitable for vegans/vegetarians?
In terms of cooking my own food, I don’t face any challenges as there are SO many options out there now and I also LOVE cooking. It’s something I find really relaxing especially after a busy day at uni. In terms of going out to restaurants, I live in Bristol so there are SO MANY vegan restaurants and cafes and most places that are not fully vegan, have good vegan options.
I think its just about doing your research before. If you know you are going to a restaurant with friends/family and they don’t have good vegan options, maybe suggest somewhere else? You’re generally safe with chips if not (a vegan’s loyal friend at a restaurant) – but double check they’re not fried in the same oil as the meat!
I love being vegan for many reasons
roisinvegan_
I love how it makes me feel – I have more energy, I sleep better and my skin is SIGNIFICANTLY clearer. But most importantly, I love being vegan because I’m part of a huge movement of people who are against animal cruelty and who are fighting for a kinder world.
What advice would you give to someone who isn’t vegan/vegetarian yet but wants to try plant-based foods?
I would tell them that vegan food is just as flavourful and delicious as eating animal products and that all the misconceptions out there about vegan food being boring are so wrong!
Some of my favourite vegan places are East Village, Eden Café, Vx, and Purezza. These are all in Bristol.
A lot of misconceptions about being vegan are in relation to its environmental impacts. I’ve heard time and time again about how ‘vegans have lots of soya from tofu and its bad for the environment’ however, the reality is that MOST soy is fed to animals that are then killed for food. Other misconceptions are about vegan food being boring and bland which is simply not true!!
Making simple swaps to go vegan in your cooking will make your meals easier to cook, healthier, and more delicious – so what’s not to love?
Ro
Bristol based vegan student🌱restaurant and recipe inspo 👩🍳