The Lord Mayor of Sheffield’s introduction to the world of plant-based cooking got a major thumbs up.

The city’s first citizen was on hand to help launch Kelham Island’s brand new V.Or.V. restaurant.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Tony Downing, joined scores of guests at the formal unveiling of the eatery that has been receiving rave reviews as an “accessible” vegan and vegetarian restaurant which is proving just as popular with meat-eaters wanting a healthy alternative.

Matt and Nick Burgess managed some of Sheffield’s largest and liveliest chain pubs before turning their backs on the world of mainstream lager and junk food menus to launch V.Or.V. in the historic Wharncliffe Works, on Cornish Place in the Kelham Island area of Sheffield.

Nick Burgess said: “The Lord Mayor was thorough impressed with the food and admitted it was his first visit to a plant-based restaurant. We’re all about accessibility so welcoming someone for their first vegetarian meal is perfect for us.”

V.Or.V. is already proving hugely popular with followers of Veganuary – the movement that encourages people to try being vegan for the month of January.

And, with a great range of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, is also a popular night out for people undertaking ‘Dry January’ and other health-conscious New Year resolutions.

V.Or.V. features a great range of beers from local brewers such as Abbeydale brewery, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options available.

The restaurant offers a great range of quality, low alcohol drinks, it prioritises re-usable items and even its uniforms are vegan.