The first two vegan hotels in the UK.

According to research firm GlobalData, veganism in the US grew by 600% between 2014 and 2017, with the percentage of vegans now reaching 6% of the population. Meanwhile, according to Vegan UK – the world's oldest vegan charity and lifestyle organization – the number of vegans in the UK quadrupled between mid-2014 and 2018. In 2018 alone, the percentage of people switching to a vegan diet reached 42%.

Serving in a vegan spirit.

Recognizing this trend, many brands are developing plant-based products to cater to vegan consumers, including hotels. "At Saorsa 1875, everything stems from a vegan philosophy," says the hotel's founder, Sandra McLaren-Stewart. Saorsa 1875, housed in a 19th-century Victorian castle, officially opened its doors this June. It currently boasts 11 rooms equipped with organic cotton linens, pillows, and blankets made from natural materials. Even toiletries, cleaning products, and staff uniforms are environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the hotel's electricity comes from the British green energy company Ecotricity.

breaking down preconceived notions

Contrary to the notion that organic products are always expensive, those working at Saorsa 1875 assert that the reality is quite different. "The idea that vegan products are more expensive than conventional ones is a misconception," says McLaren-Stewart. Materials like organic cotton and linen are almost always cheaper than animal-derived materials like leather.

Naturally, the menu at Saorsa 1875 restaurant is also 100% plant-based. Saorsa 1875 follows a self-sufficient food model by growing its own vegetables or sourcing them from local farms.

And don't assume vegan food is boring, because there are plenty of ways to create exciting dishes. Chef Luca Sordi of the Saorsa 1875 Hotel regularly serves guests creative dishes such as watermelon sashimi with biscuits, mayonnaise, and tapioca starch, or panna cotta infused with dried herbs. If you visit the hotel's Faodail bar, you'll be served cocktails like the Auld Pal, made with seasonal distilled whiskey and gin, hinting at mint and verbena.

"I think there's still some prejudice surrounding veganism. It's absolutely not the restrictive lifestyle that many people think it is," shared McLaren-Stewart, co-founder of Saorsa 1875. "We wanted to create a comfortable, open space where vegans could stay without feeling like they were compromising their ethics or conscience." Accordingly, Saorsa 1875 encourages people to be vegan, but this doesn't mean judging those who don't follow a vegan path.

Veganism is on the rise.

Besides Saorsa 1875, many major hotel chains are also increasing the vegan aspect of their business. In January of this year, Hilton London Bankside partnered with design studio Bompas & Parr and The Vegan Society to create vegan products for use in the hotel.

The vegan menu here has been very well received by guests, and so the hotel's General Manager, James B. Clarke, decided to develop more unique vegan experiences for his guests, such as headboards, chairs, and cushions made from Piñatex (a natural leather substitute made from the cellulose fibers of pineapple leaves); organic cotton carpets and bamboo flooring; and toiletries with biodegradable packaging. Even the check-in desk and hotel room key cards are made from Piñatex. Of course, the room service menu is also vegan.

Clarke said, "The most challenging part was ensuring that guests had a fully vegan experience throughout their stay – from the moment they stepped into their room until they checked out." Like Saorsa 1875, Hilton London Bankside's innovation has garnered interest from both vegans and non-vegans. "The feedback we've received has been incredibly positive. We've even received inquiries from famous athletes," Clarke said. "While this vegan service is primarily designed for sustainability-conscious travelers, we hope that everyone can enjoy it – not just vegans."

"People are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their choices can have on the planet," McLaren-Stewart asserted while discussing plans for a future second Saorsa 1875 branch.

Hannah Nguyen