The Vegan Guide to Oxford

Kake, 18 Jan 2001

Alpha now have much more seating space outside, with three big tables instead of the small ones they used to have. I've now tried the tempeh sandwich, and it's really wonderful. Go to Alpha! It's great!

Kake, 18 Apr 2000

This “natural foods” sandwich bar opened in the Covered Market recently; I've been there four times already. They've had three vegan choices of sandwich filling on the days I've been there — marinated tofu, pinto bean pate and hummous, though I think the menu gets rotated, as I remember seeing tempeh mentioned on the menu board soon after they opened. The manager, Will, is a very friendly bloke who's happy to chat about the different foods on offer.

There's always a choice of interesting breads such as ciabatta, country bread and spelt sourdough. The mixed salad is also varied and interesting, with alfalfa sprouts, hijiki seaweed, sauerkraut and capers as well as the usual lettuce, tomato, cucumber and grated carrot; choose from these to go in your sandwich. You can also get a large mixed salad chosen from these plus couscous salad and hummous for £2.50.

Smoothies are available, as are fresh juices including carrot. There's at least one vegan cake-type thing, and soya milk for coffee. They do a range of interesting teas which I must try out soon. All in all, this place is highly recommended (and Oxford Vegetarians members get a 10% discount, rising to 20% on orders over £5).