Leon (Birmingham New Street and Strensham Services)

Because we live in Torquay it takes a while for us to try out chains. To give any city-dwelling readers an idea: we do have a Pizza Express but we don’t have a Nando’s. It’s basically the late 90’s. We have however managed to leave the bay recently and we’ve been enjoying visits to Leon.

For town-and-country mice like us, let me fill you in. Leon is a fast food place that serves a variety of good quick meals. And thankfully for us there is one in the train station at Birmingham New Street and one on Strensham Services, off the M4. This is what we’ve been eating on our Christmas journeys.

Christmas Eve Lunch

Kate choose a lentil masala served over brown rice. Even though she’s a bit of a lentil sceptic she really enjoyed it.

I fancied a bit of hummus so I went for the Lebanese Mezze. It was really good, especially with a portion of waffle fries to dip in the hummus.

Boxing Day Breakfast

Having breakfast in a service station isn’t massively festive but Kate loved this banana and cinnamon porridge which can be made, like all of the porridges, with cashew milk. I didn’t really go for something that healthy…

I got a doughnut! It’s chai-spiced in the middle and chocolate on top. Rather dense and cakey but still delicious.

So it looks like we’ve got a new favourite place to eat when we’re travelling. And least when we’re travelling to, and through, larger settlements than Torquay…

Review: Snacks and Counter Service in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Walt Disney World)

Satu’li Canteen

Earth/Pandora fusion food is on offer at one of the most impressive counter service options in the world. I built my own bowl with a brown rice and black bean base, chilli tofu, and charred onion vinaigrette. It was amazing and very filling. The vinaigrette was just perfect. Didn’t taste much chilli on the tofu though. The rest of my family enjoyed eating here too, a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Mr Kamals

Between Africa and Asia is a great veggie food stand. Unfortunately it’s not a great vegan food stand. You have to ask for modifications. I like the seasoned fries without tatziki. But of course that means there is nothing to cool them down. Heat lovers only need apply.

Counter service at Animal Kingdom seems to be lagging behind the other parks but Satu’li Canteen beats almost any other quick service option.

Review: Snacks and Counter Service in Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World)

Casey’s Corner

I went vegetarian over a decade ago and one of the things I’ve really missed since then is eating a hot dog on Main Street. I know that’s quite specific but it’s true. Casey’s Corner is now offering a plant-based dog with some sort of slaw. I’ve got to say I wasn’t a fan of the slaw. It was a little sweet for my taste. The hot dog however is phenomenal. In fact that’s what I did the second time round.

Aloha Isles

The dole whip, or ‘pineapple soft serve’ as it’s also sometimes called around the world, has achieved legendary status. But what is it? Who knows. It’s got the consistency of soft serve, it’s totally vegan, and it tastes like pineapple. I recommend the float.

Storybook Treats

Cousin to the dole whip float is the Peter Pan float from Storybook Treats. This one is lime flavoured and floats on sprite. It also comes with a chocolate feather so ask for it without. It’s really refreshing.

Special Mention: Mickey Pretzel

Mickey Pretzels are all over property. They are vegan and bready and covered in salt. Okay so it’s just a pretzel but it’s shaped like Mickey Mouse so… it’s more delicious.

Character Meal Reviews: Crystal Palace, Bon Voyage, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Garden Grill (Walt Disney World)

Character meals are 50% food and 50% feeling like the most special person in the world because a giant mouse is saying hello to you. Even as adults we enjoy them. So we booked four this trip including the famous Cinderella’s Royal Table, right there in the castle.

Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)

At Crystal Palace you meet Pooh and his mates. We went for breakfast which is billed as ‘American’. There are a couple of options on the buffet that are suitable for vegans. I got roast potatoes, mini bagels and some addictively delicious marinated tomatoes. I could have also had grits, porridge and toast. I was also given a plate of allergy-friendly Mickey waffles.

The food wasn’t bad, nothing exciting. The character interaction was great. I’m glad I did it once, so I could meet Pooh and friends, but I doubt I’ll be going back again.

Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast (Board Walk)

Okay so if you want both amazing food and character interaction Bon Voyage has it all. This was also the first place that offered me a vegan menu which is was less awkward than having to chat with a chef. I ordered the vegan breakfast calzone and it was beautiful. Stuffed full of veggies, beautifully fired and served with a lovely marinara sauce. Also Prince Eric complimented my dress.

Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)

Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most difficult to get reservations. It’s in the castle. It’s legendary. It costs a fortune. Though for us it was two dining credits.

You get three courses, rather than two. Of course as a vegan your starter is the salad without the cheese. It’s not bad but I’m glad I didn’t have to pay cash for it.

The main was great, and well presented. Roasted veggies, couscous, a portobello mushroom on top. In the couscous there was some tofu which didn’t really add much to the dish. But all in all it was delicious and really pretty.

Lemon sorbet with blueberries was my desert. I arranged it into a melting Olaf before I ate it.

Honestly both the food and the character interaction was a 3/5 which I just don’t think is good enough for the price. The location is hard to beat though. I’m okay with spending 2 credits but, like I said, I’m not sure it’s worth the cash.

Garden Grill (Epcot)

On our last visit my Dad developed a rubber neck every time we walked past Garden Grill. I’m sure he was just interested in the turning restaurant and not the characters. So this time I booked him his own character meal at Garden Grill.

Once again I got my own skillet of cool vegan food. Rice, fries, green beans and roasted veggies. There was also meatloaf! Being English I didn’t grow up with meatloaf and I’ve never had the meaty version so I had no idea what to expect. It was yummy.

The character interaction was brilliant too. Mickey Mouse launched himself across our table to have a video call with Kelsie’s nephew. It was adorable. Another win.