The Queen Inn is the world’s first 100% plant-based steakhouse based in Cwmbran, Wales. Their passion for creating delicious plant-based food that everyone can enjoy goes beyond their fame. Whether you're a vegan or just looking to try something new, The Queen Inn is ‘that’ place. Their increasing popularity is monumental for the vegan movement, and VegClub is proud to interview such an inspiring establishment. The Queen Inn is a pioneer, leading the way for non-vegan businesses to successfully make the shift to a plant-based model.
 

Ryan Edwards, the son of owners Gareth and Jane, and head of marketing and administration, has generously answered some questions for us.
 

VegClub (VC): How and why did The Queen Inn become a fully vegan establishment?
 

Ryan Edwards (RE): We trialled Veganuary for one month in January 2022, as it’s usually a quiet month, and felt it was a safe time to take such a huge risk for our business. Less than halfway through the month, every single day and night for Veganuary was fully booked, and we received an incredible amount of support and encouragement to stay plant-based permanently. This filled us with confidence that it really could work!
 

VC: Do you feel that the sales and audience for the restaurant have grown since it became fully vegan?
 

Ryan Edwards

RE: The Queen Inn used to be a standard pub where locals went for good pub grub, which was what we were always known for! Going vegan has brought us so much publicity across the UK and even the world. We usually have a few tables every week with customers driving multiple hours each way to visit! We already have bookings for December and even some for birthdays and big occasions next year! Every year, we feel like we’re experiencing our busiest months ever. 
 

VC: We know that your parents own the restaurant, but you are behind the scenes working on the marketing, administration, and important decisions for the pub. How do you feel about being responsible for such a revered business at the age of 26?

RE: It’s amazing having such a responsibility at such an important and successful business. Although my parents have run the pub for almost 20 years, I feel like I’ve had decades of experience, even at my age. I only began working in the pub 4 years ago, as I never imagined myself wanting to work in hospitality when I was a teenager. I was much more shy, but in my first job, which was in retail, I ended up as the manager after 18 months, giving me perfect experience in leadership. Two summers at a summer camp in America gave me so much confidence and important experience in working as a team and taught me how crucial it is to truly love what you do.

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VC: How does The Queen Inn stand out from other vegan businesses in the UK?
 

RE: Our niche at The Queen Inn is that we simply offer the pub classics that people used to love before going vegan. We often hear people say it’s their first kebab, steak, etc. in many years, if ever! We pride ourselves on the quality of our plant-based meats, as the products on the market have come such a long way over time. Since our menu focuses so heavily on ‘meats’, it does give the vibe that you’re eating ‘normal food’ at a ‘normal pub’, which I think is amazing. We have more omnivores visiting us than vegans, as so many people genuinely just enjoy good food, regardless of their diet. A lot of people have their very first vegan meal with us and after trying it, promise it won’t be their last.
 

VC: How did you feel when you heard that HappyCow named your pub the best vegan restaurant in Europe?
 

RE: It feels so surreal that we’re rated #1 in Europe on HappyCow. We’re currently placed at #2 in the world, which is crazy to us. We’ve come such a long way over the past two and a half years since being an average ‘traditional’ pub—it almost feels undeserved. We’ve been working tirelessly during that time to showcase amazing food, and we just love what we do immensely. It makes us so proud knowing it’s been such a success.
 

“A lot of people have their very first vegan meal with us and after trying it, promise it won’t be their last.” about the food at The Queen Inn

VC: What would your advice be for any young person getting into the food industry?
 

RE: My tip for anyone looking to run a business, whether vegan or not, is to find a niche. Unfortunately, ‘normal’ restaurants just aren’t sustainable anymore. We’ve seen so many brilliant restaurants close over the past few years due to a drop in trade, as they haven’t received the support they deserve. To me, social media is essential in helping run a business, as it’s the easiest way to reach new customers. For anyone looking to work in hospitality, I think the key is finding something you can be passionate about and having a good team of friends around you. Being able to enjoy work makes it so much better for everyone else, including the customers, who are always the priority. Take pride in what you do, as it does make a huge difference.

See their menu here or book a table.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at LGBTQ+ celebrities that you didn’t know were vegan. Or explore Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2024, for the third consecutive time.