FOR VEGANUARY we have an interview with Caversham’s best known purveyor of vegan food and winner of the Pride of Reading Hospitality Award in 2025. Vegivores is very much a passion project for Kevin. He had a career in finance, but was tired of being an underappreciated small cog in a large wheel. He had part-time jobs in hospitality as a student, which he enjoyed. At the time he and his wife were trying to eat less meat and were aware there wasn’t a great choice of vegetarian food in restaurants. As he looked into it, he learned more about vegan choices and realised this was for him.
Vegivores began in 2017 as a street food van, popping up as part of the regular Blue Collar markets and other events in Reading. The restaurant opened in 2019 in half of the current premises, next to the butchers, which has amused many locals over the years. It expanded into the adjacent unit at the end of 2020. They were kept going during the Covid-19 lockdowns by takeaway deliveries. The restaurant is now their main focus, but they still cater for one-off outside events, including corporate events and weddings.
Life isn’t easy for independent businesses. We met shortly after the budget in late November, and Kevin was looking at increased costs of nearly £2,000 per month. He recently had to close his second restaurant, in Bournemouth, as footfall wasn’t high enough. However, following increased costs earlier in the year, Kevin has already introduced changes to encourage more footfall in Caversham, including a revamped, cheaper lunch menu and a monthly curry club. You can also learn how to cook vegan food in classes he runs at Queen Anne’s School (the next is 24 January).
Away from work, Kevin runs several times a week and is a member of a local golf club. Though he doesn’t have much time to play at the moment, he grew up next to a golf course and was a serious player when younger.
How long have you lived in RG4?
My wife and I came to the area when my job in finance transferred to Oxford from Belfast. We moved to west Reading in 2012 while my wife did a PGCE at Reading University. I was still working in Oxford and commuting through Caversham. I thought it looked a nice area and we moved across the river in 2014.
Where are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in our area?
When off duty I like to be as relaxed as possible and have always enjoyed the atmosphere at both the Fox and Hounds and Quattro.
How do you think we can be ecofriendlier here?
Very simply, we should all eat more plantbased food!
How would you strengthen our sense of community?
There is already a great community spirit in Caversham. There has been talk of a local music festival in 2026, which I think is a great idea.
If you could bring anything here, such as an event, experience or a shop, what would it be?
There is no wine shop in Caversham, I have never understood. If someone doesn’t open one soon, I will be tempted to do it myself!
Be the first to comment