One of the benefits of living in Devon is that it is very close to Cornwall. When we feel the need for gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches and amazing coastal walk we can just hop across the border. Sometimes we do get things coming over our side of the Tamar though and if we are lucky those things are bakeries.

Most of them don’t do much for vegans but Warrens Bakery offers not just one but three vegan pasty options and even a vegan sweet. We popped into the Torquay branch to pick up some lunch. The day we visited they had the Vegan Thai Green and the Traditional Vegan. We got one of each, split them in half and here is the verdict.

The Traditional Vegan is Warrens’ vegan version of the Traditional Cornish Pasty. It has no beef but all of the good stuff: nice big chunks of well cooked root vegetables and plenty of pepper. This one was my favourite. Simple but perfect. Vegan Thai Green is Kate’s favourite. It’s bursting full of fresh vegetables in a sauce of coconut, spice and everything nice. Not too much chilli for Kate.

We’re really happy that we can get delicious vegan pasties right on the high street. If you are in the West Country pop in and pick one up.

When family come to visit I spend a lot of time thinking of where to take them. Obviously I have to be able to eat something so there has to be a vegan menu. This is good for my family too. I’m a horrible person when I’m hungry. So far though, Kate and I are the only vegans in the family. A mixed menu is what we’re after. And the food has to be good. And it has to be in a good spot, close to the sites.

Offshore is a bustling cafe right on the harbour. There is plenty of outside seating to take advantage of the stunning views or you can sit inside if it’s a little drizzly. They start the day with breakfast and just keep going. Often with live entertainment in the evening. I took my Mum and her other half for lunch.

We’d gone often as vegetarians but this was the first time since kicking the eggs and dairy. I was a little nervous. I scanned the menu. Oooooh two vegan breakfast options. Clare, focus we’re here for lunch. I could have had a jacket, a sausage and onion baguette, or a pizza. I but I wanted a burger. One vegan soya burger please. It was delicious. Served on a bun with a beautiful and addictive relish with salad and sweet potato fries on the side.

The meat eaters enjoyed their food too. Offshore is a great option for vegans in Torquay. With or without their meat eating family.

Coping with the hot weather for me means cultivating three habits of happy healthfulness. 1. Make sure I take my inhaler. Nothing says summer like shoving steroids into my lungs to keep them working despite the extra pollen and air pollution. 2. Complaining. Every year until the day I die I will be surprised and offended that it gets hot in summer. I’m English. It’s what we do. 3. Eat ice cream.

Roly’s Fudge Torquay, down by the harbour, may not seem vegan friendly at first glance but they have started to stock Swedish Glace for anyone looking for a dairy-free fix. The staff are also happy to talk you through your cone options and will even let you giggle excitedly and take pictures. Unfortunately they are only open for the season, but if you go in late spring or summer you can pick from raspberry, chocolate or vanilla. Yay.