Vegetarian burgers the most popular veggie item on pub menus

Vegetarian pub goers are more likely to choose a vegetarian burger from a venue's menu than any other meat-free option, according to a new report by on trade consultancy firm CGA Strategy. 

Veggie burgers now appear on more menus than any other vegetarian dish - 64 per cent of high street cafés and bars list a vegetarian burger.

The report, based on sales data from 5,000 managed pubs, shows they are also one of the most expensive vegetarian menu items. At £7.44, the average price of a veggie burger is more than the average cost of a veggie curry (£5.88) or lasagne (£6.83). 

"There is no doubt that the public are more health conscious than ever and we believe that credible vegetarian menu items will continue to see growth," said Scott Elliott from CGA Strategy.

"That said, the on trade visit is increasingly viewed as a treat event and average quality, uninspired food, whether vegetarian or not, is just not going to cut the mustard. More than most, vegetarian offers need to tick all the boxes in this demanding climate…healthy, interestingly conceived and crucially, delicious," he added.

The report was published in the same week that Hawksmoor revealed it was creating a new separate entrance for the bar at its Spitalfields restaurant. The bar is also getting a new bespoke menu complete with an 'almost vegan' Chana masala burger.