Time was when being a vegan meant eating out was such a minefield, it was easier not to. But with the rise in popularity of eating vegan, many eateries are catering for Veganuary - and beyond. Reasons for trying vegan could be a love of animals; the impact on the world or just a healthy start to the year. Here’s six to try...

1. The Plant Base, Tunbridge Wells

The whole food kitchen serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, plus fresh cold-pressed juice and gluten free options, plus sweet treats such as homemade raw brownie and cashew creamy torte, all cooked from scratch.

2. Pearson’s Arms, Whitstable

It has launched a meat free menu, suitable for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians and meat-reducers, where you could try tapas style snack dishes from crisp roasted butternut squash balls to roasted chestnuts and aubergine cooked in beer batter. There’s also warm sticky toffee Kentish pear pudding and set coconut rice pudding with mango sorbet. Book at pearsonsarmswhitstable.co.uk

3. Revival Cafe, Whitstable

The vegetarian eatery is a safe spot for vegans - 80% of the menu is gluten free or vegan. You can even have a Sunday roast - without any meat in sight! The cafe and ice cream parlour, with its 1960s vibe and eclectic decor aims to make diners feel revived in mind, body and spirit. Details at revivalwhitstable.co.uk

4. Vegan Antics, Gravesend

This 100% vegan bakery delivers vegan and allergy-free cupcakes and baked goods, but you can also browse the shop in Gravesend High Street, which is open Tuesdays to Sundays. Details at veganantics.co.uk

5. Wallflower Cafe, Herne Bay

The family-run vegan cafe focuses on clean, healthy food that changes seasonally, is locally sourced and freshly made daily. Find it at The Mall, 116 High St, Herne Bay, CT6 5JY. Call 01227 740392 or visit wallflower-catering.co.uk

And finally... 6. Greggs, Moto services, Rainham and Cobham services, both just off the A2, Gravesend

There was excitement when the new vegan sausage roll was due to be stocked, but it failed to deliver on time. Elsewhere, problems were reported over tongs needed.

* Charity Veganuary is dedicated to inspiring people to try vegan for January... and throughout the rest of the year, if they enjoy it. It also advises on nutrition and vitamins. Visit veganuary.com