Southend is the fourth most vegan friendly city in the UK, according to a new study.

Southend has been shown to cater to meat and dairy free diets as study finds more than one in four restaurants in the city offer vegan food.

According to The Barcode Warehouse, who analysed the menu options of more than 34,000 restaurants across Britain, more than a quarter of restaurants analysed in Southend were found to serve vegan food or have vegan food alternatives on the menu.

Here is a round up of some of the vegan friendly places in the city.

Pieno Lleno

Mexican restaurant Pieno Lleno is located on Southchurch Avenue and is rated five on Tripadvisor.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “Wonderful staff, service, atmosphere and food. So much choice on the vegan menu - we were a family group of five vegan and one non-vegan and everyone was delighted with the food.”

Namaste Village

This family-run Indian restaurant, which opened its doors on November 2, specialises in vegetarian and vegan Indian food.

The restaurant is in the old Minerva pub site, which was later Bourgee restaurant.

After weeks of renovations and internal works, the restaurant is now open and ready to wow guests with their no meat dishes.

The Oak Tree Vegan Restaurant

The Oak Tree Vegan Restaurant in Leigh Road in Leigh serves brunch, lunch and dinner all 100 per cent vegan. It scores four and a half on Tripadvisor.

One commenter on Tripadvisor said: “So good it will make you double check that its actually vegan. The hotdogs were scarily similar to the real thing and tasted absolutely delicious.”

Stoked Vegan BBQ

Stoked Vegan BBQ, on London Road in Westcliff, is a cosy vegan bolthole that is decorated with reclaimed wood and serves up barbeque dishes and craft beers.

It has a five rating on Tripadvisor and one comment includes: “Amazing vegan food! Great service and very unique décor! Had a Seitan burger and chips! Was delicious! Lots of different beers and cocktails to try too!”

Pure Vegan

Pure Vegan on London Road in Westcliff and serves 100 per cent vegan curries and many other dishes.

A Just Eat review says: “So much food and packed to the rafters with veggies and tofu. The Roti and samosas were so delicious as well. The onion bhajis were a little soggy and oily so more crunch next time would be ideal. Apart from that it was great.”

Molo Lounge

Molo Lounge, on Southend High Street has a four out of five on Tripadvisor.

One commenter said: "Been here probably ten times at least all in all. Always the same. Food is nice, with lots of vege options, though I’m not a vege myself. Staff are always extremely friendly and efficient. It’s a nice atmosphere always and runs very well indeed."

Wild Health

Wild Health, 212 Leigh Road and scores five out of five on Tripadvisor.

Comments include: "The Cheesecakes… do I need to say more… I don’t no what else to say other than you need to get your hands on one of there cheesecakes, literally the most insane vegan desert I have had. We also took away a charcoal smoothie that looked as epic as it tasted and a beetroot juice that was really good."

Leigh Bistro Restaurant

Leigh Bistro Restaurant, 123 Broadway has a four and a half rating.

One comment included: "This restaurant is excellent!! I will be going again and will let all my friends and family know how good this place is."

From Eden Restaurant and Bar

From Eden Restaurant and Bar Leigh, on London Road serves tasty food and cocktails and has a four and a half rating. 

"I'm not vegan but went for the vegan option, delicious. Would recommend Il Mondo Southend, London Rd Five Fabulous staff, authentic Italian food with fresh ingredients and a great depth of flavour at a reasonable price," said one happy customer.

Pulp kitchen 21

This a popular vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a four and a half rating.

"...we took advantage of Vegan breakfast which was healthy and incredibly tasty. Asked for something that wasn't on the menu, ten minutes later we were tucking into a freshly prepared strawberry and cream dessert."

Mrs Barnes' Bakery 

Located in Eastwood road, this mother and daughter-in-law duo mean that no vegan has to forgo their favourite baked sweet treats.

They make beautiful cakes and will cater to vegan requirements.

Overall, the research found that Oxford is the most vegan inclusive city in the UK, just behind is Cambridge then Bristol, Southend, and Bournemouth.