Henderson's, Edinburgh

Henderson's is located on Hanover Street, just inches away from Prince's Street, making it a really good location for people looking for good veggie food while in the city center. It's split into three dining areas, with three separate entrances, so you can pick what sort of dining experience you want, but still eat for your dining restrictions.

I have been to each part of the restaurant multiple times and I always choose to o back, as it is so affordable.

The first place you can eat at is kind of a deli, as you order at a counter and can grab salads, drinks, and bread from shelves and an open refrigerator, and they only have three bar stools...I stop there if I need lunch for work or something. It's great because you physically pick out the bread or rolls you want for a sandwich and bring it to the counter. There is a selection of hot and cold food, cooked up for you when you order it. There are also pre-packed sandwiches and salads if you are in a hurry. Also, they always have some sort of homemade vegan treat on the counter to get as well. If you are out in the morning they also offer fresh made porridge. I would spend, on average £5, getting a bean burger and salad.

The next place is right below the deli, which is the buffet style dining hall. It's the biggest part, with three eating areas in a circle around the cafeteria style buffet. This is the tricky part as it's always crowded and the waitstaff is rushed, dishing out portions in a hurried manner. there is always a huge selection of hot hot foods and salads and specials and they change all the time, so I try to stand back and look over the menu for a few minutes before getting in line, because even if the line looks long, it moves fast. I recommend ordering some of the freshly squeezed juice as it is delish. Then you can pick out a seat and carry your tray and linger as long as you want. It IS communal in feeling though and you may end up very close to people. I spend about £7-£10 pounds for a meal with two salads and a hot dish and some juice. considering it is vegan and fairtrade, not a bad price.

The last place you can eat is at the bistro right around the corner (still the same building). This place is much more relaxed with a pleasant staff. Warning: if you have eaten at the other parts of Henderson's, you will be surprised, but the service is universally slow. They have a sign on each table announcing that it will be slow, as they are part of the 'slow food' movement, and food is never cold or anything. It's just atht ABSOLUTELY nothing is pre-prepared. I used to work at a place like this, and it just means that nothing has been frozen or pre-cooked. All restaurants do that to some degree, but I am guessing not here I suggest ordering some olives and enjoying yourself.

This place is one to have a leisurely lunch, as I have never felt rushed. Everything is equally yummy and not too expensive, although more than the other two parts. Two people, with a starter to share, two main courses, juice, and dessert comes to about £25.

Henderson's is one of my favorite places to eat, as it is really inexpensive and has a nice, relaxed vibe with great tasting food that is really filling. Not for you if you want fancy or cutting edge.