Chorlton Tap: Manchester’s Best Vegan Roast
I love a roast dinner. Every week without fail, I will indulge in roasted veg, a mountain of mash, and a vegan main all smothered in gravy. So when going out for a roast, my standards are set high. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered The Chorlton Tap. The Chorlton Tap offers the largest selection of vegan roast dinners in a relaxed pub experience with a robust selection of craft beers, real ales, and lagers. The pub has a cosy charm, making it perfect for cold autumnal days and a beer garden for those sunny Sundays. As a self-confessed beer enthusiast, I appreciate the rotating taps, showcasing a diverse range of local and regional brews, alongside some guest beers. The Chorlton Tap also serves a well-executed menu which always includes vegan options, complementing the drinks selection nicely. The food features roasts on a sunday, woodfire pizzas throughout the week, and even specially curated food tasting menus from around the world that always have a specific vegan menu.
The Chorlton Tap offers a consistently satisfying vegan roast dinner to those simply looking for a comforting Sunday meal. The portion is generous, featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, and vegan Yorkshire puddings, all swimming in a rich, flavourful gravy that ties the dish together. The standouts on our first visit were the wild mushroom willington—porcini, shiitake, lion’s mane, carvelo nero, and chestnut mushrooms, all blended together in a Wellington. As well as the soy chicken fillet stuffed with sage, caramelised onions & lemon peel stuffing coated in panko bread crumbs. Both were absolutely incredible; the balance of flavours is well-maintained, with neither ingredient overpowering the other. Nothing is too strong or over-seasoned; it just all works together to make the perfect roast. This is complemented by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the Chorlton Tap, making it the ideal spot for a weekend vegan roast.
Knowing after that first roast that we just had to go back, we opted for the no-beef wellington and the panko herb chick’n. The juicy soy beef fillet wrapped in flaky puff pastry was perfectly paired with a wild mushroom duxelles and spinach. I couldn’t believe it when I cut into the Wellington and saw a pink centre. It was upon eating the beef fillet that I realised beetroot was used to create this rare beef illusion. As a former chef, I couldn’t have been more surprised or impressed. I always appreciate it when a chef goes the extra mile when it comes to vegan food. The golden puff pastry is glossy and crisp. Slicing into the Wellington reveals layered precision: a seasoned soy fillet, savoury mushroom duxelles, creamy spinach, and a tangy beetroot centre that ties the flavours together. Texture is the Wellington’s standout. The soy fillet is meaty and springy, marinated for rounded umami and finely chopped mushrooms add an earthy counterpoint that keeps the centre succulent without overpowering. Crisp, golden and utterly moreish — the vegan soy panko herb “chicken” hits all the right notes. The panko crust delivers a light, crunchy bite while a fragrant blend of herbs lifts the savouriness without overpowering. Well seasoned, satisfying and ideal paired with the fresh roasted vegetables.
If anyone asks my opinion on where to get the best vegan roast dinner in Manchester, I will always point to Chorlton Tap. Perfect for any day under anywhere, and always guaranteed a great, filling meal. One day, I hope to try one of their tasting menus from around the world because I'm sure they will be just as incredible.