Vegan-friendly
Beer/Wine
British
European
Gluten-free
Eatery est. Aug 2016. Offers several vegan dishes which change frequently (see website). Set three-course roast on Sun. Bar has organic wines, local craft beer, gin and tonics, house-made cordials and freshly squeezed juice. Relocated from 18/22 Lloyd St. Reported to serve vegetarian items April 2025. Open Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-20:00.
-
1-3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester, England, M3 1SW
-
Loading...
-
- Reservations required
- Accepts credit cards
-
-
Last update on 30 Jun 2025 by hedonism
Update business info -
Added by Veganolive1 on 07 Sep 2016
-
-
252 Reviews
First Review by cabbagepatchkid
pennyella
Points +84
So disappointed! - Edit
This was our ‘second chance’ for the Allotment. Last time we ate, we paid, we left and then had a young waitress came running after us shouting we hadn’t paid!! Of course we had ! There was only 2 waitresses! Dont they communicate ! We proved we had - no apology. Yesterday we tried again. Waited 15 mins to be acknowledged and shown to our booked table. Took over 1hr 15 mins for the food arrive! We had gone beyond feeling hungry ! The broccoli was barely Luke warm as were the carrots . Neither of us liked the bruschetta. The stew was excellent. No one ever asked if our food was ok. I had to walk up to ask for a spoon for the stew as we had only been given forks. i think some experienced management is needed. We won’t be returning. We are looking fe long vegetarian/vegan and this really is the type of business we want to support!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-22
Pros: The stew was excellent , Staff very pleasant
Cons: Very very very long wait , Customer service not up to standard.
Guest
hedonism
Points +69
Not vegan anymore. So disappointed. Can’t rate any lower than 2. - Edit
0 stars. Why, just why. Disappointed. ABSOLUTELY POINTLESS as they’ve just introduced non-vegan cheese, whilst also having vegan cheese, and you can randomly add an egg to some dishes. WHY?!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-21
Guest
Jewkneeor
Points +62
Sunday Dinner - Edit
Allotment is nicely decorated and in a good location.
Read moreMy wife and I had the edamame beans as a starter and 2 Sunday dinners. 1 cauliflower and 1 butternut squash.
We then had a sticky toffee pudding and a scone for dessert.
10/10 food
10/10 service, the staff were great.
We will be returning soon.
Updated from previous review on 2026-01-25
Pros: Sticky toffee pudding, Service and staff , Sunday dinner
Cons: Toilet is a little bit too much in the dining area
Guest
CathyCoriander
Points +206
Great 🌱Options - Edit
We really enjoyed our meal. We were warmly welcomed by Charlie and chose the carrot soup and the walnut pâté, both excellent. For mains we went for the harissa cauliflower and the baked aubergine specials which were very tasty. Decor is lovely, would definitely recommend 💚
Read moreGuest
Amyjayne84
Points +36
Meal at the Allotment - Edit
Great food. I had the ‘’meatball” marinara and it was incredible. My partner had the Massaman curry which was also delicious. We both had the sticky toffee pudding for afters. The service was amazing and we will definitely be going again.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-01-06
Pros: Amazing food, Great decor, Brilliant and attentive service
Guest
SimplePineaple
Points +75
Not what it used to be - Edit
My wife and I booked a table for a roast dinner. We were disappointed to discover that the restaurant is no longer fully vegan, and therefore we weren’t able to have some of the items on the roast (namely the cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire puddings). I understand that times are tough — especially for vegan restaurants, many of which have closed post-Covid — so I could forgive the change in approach.
Read moreHowever, what I cannot forgive is the dreadful service and the even worse food we were served.
We were told that they didn’t have the usual “main” on the roast dinner and that it would be substituted, which we were fine with. But over an hour later, when the food finally arrived, it wasn’t a roast dinner at all — we were served a mezze with tzatziki and pitta, with no explanation.
Perplexed, I asked what was going on, and was told there had been some “confusion” in the kitchen. The staff agreed we could re-order from the main menu, which we did. I ordered the burger and, after another long wait, was served a Beyond Burger on an overcooked toasted bun — with no sauce. I’ve honestly had better food at Wetherspoons.
To top things off, I had to correct the staff when the bill arrived, as they had omitted the 30% discount that was advertised throughout January.
I’m absolutely flabbergasted by the experience we had at a restaurant that has served the vegan/vegetarian community for years. I’m devastated to leave such a negative review, but potential customers — and the restaurant itself — need to know that the experience I had (and others have reported recently) is completely unacceptable.
Updated from previous review on 2026-01-05
Cons: Dreadful service, No longer fully vegan, Thoughtless food
Guest
UriS
Points +22
Avoid at all costs! Disgraceful restaurant. Doesn’t deserve to still be around… - Edit
We booked The Allotment for our New Year’s Eve meal, despite not having visited for 6.5 years due to a previous awful experience. Foolishly, we gave it one final chance. It completely ruined our New Year’s Eve.
Read moreWe were seated and then ignored for 90 minutes while food was served to every other table in the restaurant. No explanation. No update. Nothing. Only after repeatedly chasing staff were we finally told at 10.25pm on New Year’s Eve — when it was far too late to go anywhere else — that there would be no food for us at all.
The excuse was vague “communication issues” with the kitchen, followed by the chef refusing to cook because it was supposedly past cut-off time, despite food still actively coming out. There was no real apology, no accountability, and no manager in sight.
Because we were told so late, everywhere else was closed, leaving us hungry on one of the most important nights of the year. Sitting customers for an hour and a half on New Year’s Eve and then casually telling them they won’t be fed is not a mistake — it’s gross incompetence.
With service this bad, it’s astonishing this place is still operating. Businesses like this give the hospitality industry a bad name, and frankly, I won’t be surprised — or disappointed — when it eventually fails. It certainly doesn’t deserve customers, trust, or second chances.
Avoid at all costs, especially for special occasions.
I honestly hope this restaurant goes bust this year. They don’t deserve to be around any longer…
Updated from previous review on 2026-01-01
Pros: Nothing at all!
Cons: No Food available , Discourteous staff, Disgraceful management
Guest
Jem87
Points +324
AVOID!!! - Edit
We booked The Allotment for our NYE meal having not been there for 6.5 years due to not having had the best experience previously. We decided to give it one last shot as we had not yet visited the new location. WHAT A MISTAKE! We sat there for an hour and a half only to be told that they had no food for us. Apparently there had been ‘“communication issues” with the kitchen. The Manager was nowhere to be seen. No one thought to tell us that we weren’t getting any food, only when we asked two different members of staff what was happening did they tell us this. Now I know why it had taken us 6.5 years to return…NEVER AGAIN! There are vegan businesses failing left, right and centre…how this place is still open I have no idea, they certainly don’t deserve it! Would score zero stars if this was an option.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-31
Pros: None
Cons: They don’t have food, The staff don’t communicate with their customers
Guest
JAHark
Points +255
Closed until 29 Dec 2025 - Edit
This is closed until 29th December despite what website says
Read morePros: Closed
Cons: Closed
Guest
Mushroomlover461
Points +93
Ok afternoon tea for the price - Edit
Very welcoming staff and cosy room. We really liked the sandwiches and cauliflower wings on the afternoon tea. We thought the scones were a bit chewy, but the cakes were nice. Definitely going to come back to try the Sunday roast.
Read moreEdited because later in the day I ate the brownie and it was disgusting.
Updated from previous review on 2025-10-17
Guest
Stapo
Points +167
Great tapas and great updated menu - Edit
We loved our meal tonight thank you. We have been here a few times before over the years but the menu has never grabbed us until now. We had 5 tapas for £30, a real bargain and super tasty, the menu has changed and is amazing so much to choose from a definite game changer and this is now our go to place when we visit Manchester. My only regret is not having enough room for sticky toffee pudding and ice cream.
Read moreThank you and we'll see you in a month or so when we return to Manchester.
Before this review I read some of the comments on happy cow and was shocked especially when people have given hate for serving dairy. This seems crazy, I have been vegan for 4 years but I am a realist and I ate meat and dairy for 45 years. Running a vegan restaurant must be one of the hardest jobs as your audience/market is tiny and is so hard to survive. If by adding dairy I can still have the choice of this great restaurant for years to come, that is the right choice....
Have you tried swimming against the current? This is what running a Vegan restaurant is like.
Pros: Tasty food, Value, Decor
Cons: Ran out of butter beans
Guest
jtyburski
Points +1570
Lovely food in a nice small setting - Edit
Came here in 2022 and again in 2025 and really enjoyed both meals. On the more recent trip a build your own tapas board was a great way to try several items.
Read moreGuest
tri_cera_tops_
Points +26
Food is okay - Edit
Food is okay but nothing to rave about. Service could be better. Menu could be more interesting with more choices of sandwiches or wraps.
Read moreGuest
Josephinininie
Points +59
Disappointing... - Edit
Had dinner at 7pm and they had run out of a lot of the menu. I had 3 tapas dishes and none of them were very nice. The only one with any flavour were the cauliflower wings but they were overcooked (too soft inside). The ambience and service also left something to be desired...
Read moreGuest
DebbieHP
Points +180
Fabulous tapas - Edit
We visited recently before going to a show at the arena. Great find! The 6 for £30 tapas is such good value! We had a board to share plus a side of the rosemary chips (almost like roast potatoes! So good!). Nice puddings too, I had the trio, the scone was still warm. Delicious! Would love to get back and try the roast dinner!
Read moreVery handy location, nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
Giving 4/5 as not 100% vegan. They have a few dairy cheese and a random boiled egg option for one dish
Pros: Great tapas, Proper puddings , Lovely decor
Cons: Not 100% vegan
Guest
3773
Points +36
Awful service to the point of being scary - Edit
The "service" at this place left us feeling frightened due to the treatment of other diners by the staff. We paid under duress and made complaints after, neither of which was responded to. I wish I could give zero stars at most, but at least I can warn others.
Read moreCons: "Service" terrible. Degrading treatment by staff.
Guest
TommyHawthorne
Points +1891
Wonderful but empty stomach needed - Edit
Half a baked cauliflower marinated in a sticky house sauce.
Read moreThe cauli was soft and tender while holding it's form . VE
Tuscan spaghetti meatball pasta. In a creamy Tuscan sauce. I thought this dish was perfectly balanced with the exception of a little salt or an umami flavor like miso. It just didn't seem quite compete. Maybe even a vegan parm could lift this dish that last little bit?
The space was cozy yet welcoming with a great ambiance. Spacious enough for a few tables to have an intimate dining experience.
The waitress was attentive but not overbearing.
She prepared me a mixed 3 sample women's to taste blind, which for $10 is a wonderful product to offer customers.
I ended up tasting a "vallemayor rioja bianco" alongside a "depende Albarino and a "somewhere else Malbec"
These wines were all vegan certified.
With outdoor seating besides the cathedral, this cute little restaurant punches well above it weight and definitely a must visit vegan spot of passing through or staying a while in Manchester.
Yum
Pros: Cauliflower with house sauce, Tuscan spaghetti, Vegan wine flight
Guest
JessFlowers
Points +350
Great little spot - Edit
I went there for vegan high tea and enjoyed it.
Read moreThe tea sandwiches were very delicious with a lovely texture- exactly what you want in high tea.
The fried cauliflower wings was a bit odd for high tea, but they tasted great.
The red velvet cake on top is good, but I didn’t like the brownie. The texture was very cakey and dry for my preference.
The rasin scone was good and I enjoyed the jam and cream it came with.
I was a bit surprised that you had to strain out your tea. I typically brew my tea according to the recommended brew time per herb (4 minutes for back tea, 90 seconds for green tea, ect) and here there isn’t any consideration for that.
Pros: The tea sandwiches are delicious , The restaurant is well decorated
Cons: Food was a little hit and miss
Guest
OdetteAtzanda
Points +115
Best cauliflower wings ever - Edit
Amazing food, good portions and lovely staff
Read moreGuest
emily217
Points +160
Changed for the worse - Edit
Have had different experiences here, the food is good but last time we went we were overcharged on a meal offer we had chosen and not warned about the surcharge either so felt ripped off considering there were only 2 of us on a quiet evening.
Read moreGuest
adventureaardvark
Points +1104
Nice but used to be better - Edit
The food here is pretty good, nice variety. However recently the food has changed to vegetarian with only half of options vegan. The menu also rarely changes, with each “seasonal” menu containing maybe one new dish.
Read moreA must to visit once, but a bit meh as a repeat customer.
Guest
bexdvi
Points +407
fine - Edit
was good a few years ago but food isn’t all that now
Read moreGuest
tiggydickers
Points +298
Delightful - Edit
Delicious food in a lovely location!
Read moreGuest
KaterinaLouisa
Points +5179
Delicious - Edit
Lots of vegan options, very tasty, reasonable prices
Read moreGuest
tmills
Points +244
Really tasty food, nice new menu - Edit
Very attentive service, lots of choice. The sticky cauliflower was amazing
Read morePros: Good choice, Friendly service
Guest
AmySRiver
Points +297
Won't return - Edit
Made one of the orders wrong and the replacement was rushed through and not cooked properly, but we didn't have time for them to remake it again.
Read moreOverpriced for quality
Toilet was dirty and messy
They take a tip at without asking - we would not have given a tip for the quality of the food/service. Service overall was below average
Have the word "vegan" on their sign but are a vegetarian venue
Pros: Central location
Cons: Charged a tip without asking, Overpriced, Dirty
Guest
NoraNoir
Points +214
Beautiful tapas with a view! - Edit
Lovely central restaurant with indoor & outdoor seating. We went for a range of vegan tapas to share: sticky cauli wings, roast cabbage, jackfruit bao buns, tofu kofta & miso mushrooms plus a mezze of baba ganoush, hummus & tapenade with flatbread (yes we were very full afterwards!) Lots of clever flavours and combinations that used the ingredients well. We sat outside for people watching & a lovely view of the cathedral. 4 star as not fully vegan, some dishes better than others!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-05-02
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 43559 times.