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Grumpy Panda is opening its doors in Gateshead, Newcastle for the first time today and claims to be the North East’s first vegan diner of its kind.
Grumpy Panda’s cauli wings can be smothered in your choice of buffalo, BBQ or fry sauce, and a whole heap of coleslaw!
A vegan American-inspired diner Grumpy Panda has opened today in Gateshead. During the previous four years, proprietors Beth and Phil Towers—who conceived the diner’s concept during a road trip across California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada—gained a following by hosting regional pop-ups and local catering gigs.
To set the tone, Grumpy Panda will be decorated with license plates the couple gathered on their 2,500-mile American road trip. The duo will also host an American-style eating challenge they call “Release the Kraken” in which guests are encouraged to consume a number of menu items in less than 15 minutes.
What’s on the menu?
The diner will serve American-style dishes such as pancakes, waffles, hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers.
Diners can also tuck into full fry ups featuring ‘Pigless Pudding’, ‘Baecon’ and ‘Eggz’ as well as waffles with a variety of animal product free toppings.
It also sells ‘The Mac ‘n Stack’ (vegan mac ‘n cheese), ‘Chikin ‘n Waffles’, ‘Chili Cheez’ hotdogs and ‘Pastramee’ grilled sandwiches. The wacky names are thanks to the fact that they make their own ‘eggs’ ‘cheese’ and ‘meats’ on site, so they know exactly what’s gone into them.
“It’s not grass and beans and lentils!” Phil said when describing the diner’s comfort food menu.
The coffee bar
However, whilst the food might be vegan it’s important to note that their coffee bar is vegetarian rather than vegan friendly, as they offer cows milk in drinks, but are keen to stress that they keep prep areas, fridges and equipment separate to eliminate the chances of cross contamination.
Please do let Grumpy Panda know that there are plenty of dairy-free milks available, including barista style drinks that are perfect for hot drinks like lattes and tea, and that they do not need to serve cows milk.
Where to find Grumpy Panda
You can find Grumpy Panda at 14 Regent Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1LU, and diners can even bring their dogs along to join in the fun.
For more information, please visit www.grumpypandafood.com.