Derry has been making a name for itself over recent years as a foodie destination. With a vast array of local eateries, there is somewhere for everyone's tastes.
However, two former neighbours saw a lack of vegan dining experiences available in the city. So they set out to change that.
Sophies Scran was created by Kerrie Costello, chef, and Jemma Heath, co-owner, who are both vegan and wanted to expand the vegan dining experience in Derry.
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Kerrie said: "It was clear that Derry was lacking vegan options specifically a solely vegan menu. We decided to put our heads together and change that, offering multiple styles of vegan street food, using solely local and home grown produce.
"Although most restaurants offer limited vegan options, with the exception of the Hidden City Cafe who do offer an extensive free from menu, we wanted to expand people's knowledge and perception of vegan food.
"Sophies Scran is a safe space for everyone, regardless of who they are or what they eat. There’s a wide ranging menu from healthy options to our vegan takes on classic street food. All of our main courses include sides and are priced under £10, and we also have lighter bites available.
"You’ll always get service with a smile and a chat with the staff and we are happy to amend the menu to accommodate allergens and intolerances, most dishes can be made gluten free. Situated at the Collon Bar we can offer outdoor and also indoor seating and restroom facilities, so no excuse not to come out during the winter and wash your grub down with Susan Diggins', Collon Bar Owner, extensive vegan friendly drinks menu."
Sophies Scran has proven a popular spot meeting the needs of many across the city and beyond.
Kerrie said: "Since we opened we have had an overwhelming response from the people of Derry and further afield. We have had customers from Belfast, Monaghan, Dundalk, Malin Head, all travel to enjoy our food. We have had massive support from Anne Marie O’Hara who runs the Derry vegetarian and vegan society, she has backed us from day one.
"We like to give our customers the chance to have their input reflected on our menus, we had an overwhelming number of customers ask us to do a Mac and Cheese, and this will now be resident on our winter menu."
Kerrie and Jemma have seen the vegan and vegetarian scene change massively over the last number of years, with better and more options available for those seeking an alternative to meat and animal products.
Kerrie said: "People are becoming a lot more conscious of what they eat, should it be for health reasons, climate or the likes of ‘Veganuary’. There are meat and dairy substitutes for most things, and we do see a lot more options available.
"Although these are great to see, our vision is to create menus using raw ingredients only to showcase what can be achieved using only fruits and veg, plants, nuts, beans, lentils and seasoning."
For Sophies Scran, the future looks bright. Already nominated for a prestigious award, Kerrie and Jemma know they have tapped into a very popular market.
Kerrie said: "We have been nominated for Best Catering Van/Trailer in the Northern Ireland Food Takeaway Awards, so of course another hope of ours is to bring that award home, but we will have to wait until February to find out!
"We do have big plans for the future which will involve premises, and a drinks license – but you will have to watch this space for any more info on that one!"
A snippet of their new residential menu this winter includes mac n’ cheese, beechwood smoked tofu Ramen, Turkish style kebab, bean & lentil chilli and a spiced lentil burger with Thai slaw & fries. Offing coffee is also providing a selection of homemade vegan desserts.
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