As Earth Day approaches this April, what better way to demonstrate support for environmental protection and contribute to sustainable living than to reduce the amount of meat in your diet. 

Earth Day is a global event to raise awareness and action for the environment. It sheds lights on the serious environmental problems we are facing - and one of the simplest ways to fight climate change is with a diet change. 

We've compiled a list of some of the vegan-friendly and vegetarian options available around Welwyn Hatfield for you to try, which could lead to a healthier lifestyle and healthy planet. 

1. Bengal Spices 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Bengal Spice is an Indian restaurant that offers a wide range of meat-free options.Bengal Spice is an Indian restaurant that offers a wide range of meat-free options. (Image: Google Maps - the owner)

Bengal Spices in 10 Market Place, Hatfield is an Indian restaurant and takeaway. 

The restaurant has a large menu with many vegetarian options from Chilli Paneer to Daal Saag. 

At the end of 2022, one TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Always great service and food from Bengal Spices. It’s our number one go to. 

"We always receive the food on time and hot, and they also cater for vegans. Give them a call beforehand and they will answer any questions about dietary requirements they are super helpful. 10/10 every time. Can’t recommend them enough." 

2. Here Japan 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Here Japan is located in Market Place, Hatfield.Here Japan is located in Market Place, Hatfield. (Image: Google Maps)

Here Japan is located in Market Place, Hatfield. 

The restaurant and takeaway don't just offer traditional seafood-based sushis, but also provides a vegetarian menu. 

You can try a Tofu Pocket, an Avocado Nigiri, or a Cucumber Maki which is freshly hand rolled. 

They also have many meat-free options for starters, soups and maki rolls. 

3. Postino Lounge 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Postino Lounge is located in Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City.Postino Lounge is located in Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Google Maps - by owner)

Postino Lounge is in Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City. 

The restaurant offers sweet potato fries, beyond meat cheeseburgers, chocolate and raspberry cakes, and much more. 

One Google reviewer said: "Enjoyed a vegan breakfast with my husband and friend. I enjoyed the vegan smashed avocado with a lovely latte with oat milk. 

"They have a great range on the menu with very affordable pricing. 

The others had the vegan big breakfast (which was huge!) and the eggs with bacon. 

"The app was very user friendly to order from." 

4. The Red Lion 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Red Lion in Hatfield is a popular destination with many options on their menu.The Red Lion in Hatfield is a popular destination with many options on their menu. (Image: Google Maps)

The Red Lion on Great North Road in Hatfield is a British-style pub that caters to vegetarian and vegan customers. 

Whether starters, mains or dessert, The Red Lion has all the meat-free options available for you.  

They offer cluckless vegan goujons, Sri Lankan vegetable curry, and a wide variety of mouth-watering desserts from Biscoff waffles to cookie-butter cheesecakes. 

5. The White Horse 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The White Horse is located on Mill Lane in Welwyn.The White Horse is located on Mill Lane in Welwyn. (Image: Google Maps)

The White Horse is in Mill Lane, Welwyn. It is a traditional pub/restaurant with a beautiful beer garden. 

Options available include a delicious, spiced parsnip and sweet potato soup, crispy root vegetable garnish, and khobez flatbread as a starter, while for mains you can try the butternut squash and sage ravioli, with a butter, pine nut and truffle dressing finished with shaved Italian hard cheese and rocket. 

The restaurant also has their own vegan spin on pub classics, so there is no excuse not to try it out. 

6. Misya Meze & Grill 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Misya Meze & Grill is a Turkish Restaurant located in Welwyn Garden City.Misya Meze & Grill is a Turkish Restaurant located in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Google Maps)

Misya Meze & Grill is located in 67 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City. 

It is a Turkish restaurant that offers multiple vegetarian options such as falafels, vegetarian musakka, yaprak sarma - which is stuffed vine leaves with rice - and blackcurrants served with yoghurt and special sauce. 

On TripAdvisor reviewer said: "The food at here was incredible, especially the Sigara Boregi and the Yaprak Sarma. There was a lot of choice for vegetarians and the service was excellent, even though we went on a busy Friday night." 

7. Cote Brasserie 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Cote Brasserie offers many vegetarian and vegan options.Cote Brasserie offers many vegetarian and vegan options. (Image: Archant)

Cote Brasserie is in the town centre in Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City. 

The French restaurant offers squash tabouleh, vegan burgers, creamed spinach, strawberry and elderflower creme brulee and much more. 

Global meat consumption has grown by a staggering 20 per cent over the last 10 years, according to the Earth Day organisers.  

They said: "What we are eating is pushing the planet to the breaking point on climate change and deforestation so commit today to making your next meal plant based and remove meat from your diet at least once a week.  

"Let’s fight climate change with diet change."