With my new home town, Reading, being a little limited on Vegan places to eat (apart from their once per month Vegan Market). I quite regularly visit my original home town, Southampton, to see my friends and family whilst also enjoying the Vegan food. The city has now got another place for us Vegans to go crazy about, though I might be a little late to the game.
Cafe Thrive is a somewhat large Vegan Cafe in the centre of Southampton. It caters not only for everything deliciously Vegan, but also for those with a Gluten or Soy Intolerance. It is definitely more laidback compared to the other local Vegan kid on the block, Offbeet. Although, bringing something different is the best way to go, the more choice the better.
I've been there three times now, here's what I've gathered from my trips...
Staff:
As with most Vegan places, the Staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Each time I've gone, I've experienced different waiters, each person as kind as the next.
The service in Cafe Thrive is incredibly quick, although one time we sat upstairs and the poor waiter fell up the stairs with my meal. They came up with my Milkshake and apologised, explaining what had happened. All I cared about was whether the poor guy was okay, whilst they wanted to make sure I knew they were getting my meal sorted as quickly as possible. (He was okay, just a little embarrassed.)
The last time we were there, their card machine was having a tantrum (you've got to love how much technology can mess us up). Instead of making us wait for it to work, after two tries they told us to go sit, they'd prepare our food and we could pay whenever we liked after they'd sorted it out. Again, an efficient and sensible solution to what could have been a very annoying problem.
Plus, they ensure that when they are bringing the Gluten Free meal over, it is announced as such. No mistakes there.
10/10
Food:
They have a pretty extensive menu, very much catered towards a typical Cafe style. With a twist of course, as everything in there is Plant Based. Predominantly the menu is made up of huge Salad Bowls, Sandwiches, Burgers, Sides and Milkshakes. Of course with a classic Breakfast option for those going there in the morning, not that I'd ever manage to get up that early! They also do Sunday Roasts (on Sunday) and Pizza evenings on Friday and Saturday.
Having been there 3 times now, I have tried three different dishes and a couple of their Milkshakes too...
The first time we visited, it was Mother's Day. My Mum being the legend that she is, decided that we would try this place out as we could all enjoy something there. Even my meat eating Dad, who complained for days before going but actually enjoyed his meal (not that he'd admit it).
On this occasion, I was well and truly stumped as to what to have. The menu is pretty extensive when you're used to just one or two options everywhere you go.
I settled on a Mediterranean Cashew 'Cheese' Sandwich with a side of Sweet Potato Fries. Well, when the option is there, why not right? The Sandwich contained Cashew 'Cheese', roasted balsamic Mushrooms, 'Pesto' & sun-dried Tomatoes on Gluten Free Bread. The Bread was some of the softest I've had, almost falling apart in your hands though tough enough to keep the fillings in. The Mushrooms, 'Pesto' and sun-dried Tomatoes were a combination made in heaven, I never would have thought to put them in a sandwich. Though the Cashew 'Cheese' I found was far too small in amount to taste it properly and the other flavours were far too significant to allow the 'Cheese' to come through.
The Sweet Potato Fries came in abundance, enough for a table of 4 from just one side order. They were incredibly delicious though and perfectly cooked, a good addition to the sandwich.
My parents both chose the Wholefood Burger and my brother chose the Sunday Nut roast all of which they thoroughly enjoyed! (Not a crumb was left anyway.)
They had a GF Peanut Blondie in their cake cabinet, which obviously needed to be tried. I found it a little too oily and grainy sadly, though their solely Vegan cakes looked out of this world. So I think that is more their speciality.
On the second occasion I went for their Tofu and Cashew Tart with Chips and Salad, while my Mum had the special of the day Spiced Aubergine Soup. Of course this time I had to have a Milkshake, I went for the Maple "Butter" Pecan flavour.
The Tart was exactly what I remembered a Quiche to taste like. Squishy, smooth and with a crumbly crust, with a topping of nuts and seeds, plus some caramelised Veggies. It just totally melted in the mouth and reminded me how much I used to enjoy Quiche. Only thing I would say is that the crust is a bit dry, leaving you needing a drink that maybe isn't a milkshake!
The Chips that came with it were again for probably two people rather than little old me, but they were good fluffy Cafe style Chips.
The Milkshake was so incredibly silky smooth, topped with Dairy Free Whipped Cream which was delicious, plus a few Pecans for a bit of crunch. Definitely a great shake that wasn't too heavy. What's even better is that they use reusable straws, this made me very happy. It's such an easy thing to do, I'm not sure why so many restaurants haven't already made that change!
On my latest trip, I went for one of the specials. The Dairy Free Halloumi Baguette in Gluten Free Bread instead of a roll, it came with Pesto and Chargrilled Peppers. Of course, I asked for a side of Chips as well (receiving a mountain pile, that picture is about half). When Chips are available, I get them. I swear that should be my motto in life!
My Mum got the same as me but in a wrap, my Brother went for the Cashew 'Cheese' option in a wrap.
Me and my Brother had milkshakes, I had the Chocolate Hazelnut one which was crazily amazing. Insanely chocolatey without being sickly and there must not have been much of it, because it was gone before I knew it!
The Halloumi Sandwich was really good, although it was pretty hard to keep everything inside! The 'Halloumi' tasted so cheesy to me and was great in a sandwich alongside the Pesto and Peppers. Something I'd not thought of to do with 'Halloumi' before actually! My Brother said it didn't taste like the real thing, but I didn't care too much because to me it was delicious! Definitely better than the first sandwich I had there.
My Mum enjoyed her wrap, not having tried much Dairy Free Cheese she ate the whole thing without complaint which is definitely a compliment! My Brother did have a little trouble with his wrap dripping oil from the Pesto all over him. But he said overall it was tasty.
8/10
Allergies/Intolerances:
As a Plant Based restaurant, it naturally helps with the big intolerances, Dairy and Egg. The other big ones, Gluten, Wheat and Soy are covered in a big way across the menu as well, with many options available free of them or as a choice to remove.
The Staff read back your order and when they deliver the food they explain it is Gluten Free then as well. A genuinely easy place to order and eat, a pleasure for anyone with intolerances!
10/10
Cafe Thrive is a great place for a quick bite to eat or catch up with friends. They have very decent prices, with good quality food and plenty of options. Who doesn't love going somewhere for a chat over Vegan Milkshakes anyway?
Southampton Vegan's, I'm sure I'm way behind but if you haven't been, check it out. It's worth it for the treats alone!