I’ve covered Pho and Banyan in the Corn Exchange to review their vegan options to coincide with World Vegan Month (November); now it’s the turn of Cosy Club, offering ‘a sense of somewhere special with a hint of nostalgia.’ Having been to the quirky, eccentric and characterful venue several (and all enjoyable) times with family and friends, James and I were looking forward to sampling the vegan menu.
I was impressed to be handed a specifically gluten-free and vegan menu as we were met with a friendly welcome and led through the mansion-meets-village-hall surroundings to a prime spot by the window, allowing us to watch the world go by.
Cosy Club focuses on comfort food classics – Macaroni Cheese, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash – as well as sandwiches, tapas and brunch options to suit all kinds of occasions. Our waitress told us the menu changes once every 3-4 months to match with the seasons which was refreshing to hear.
We’re proud to be able to offer flexibility with a full gluten free and full vegan menu to cater for all.
Although the gluten-free section had plenty of variety, there wasn’t as much choice on the vegan side; some brunch options, no starters, only one main meal (a burger), a few tapas options and a selection of side dishes. We both agreed it would have been good to see a more extensive list, maybe a vegan Chilli, Shepherd’s Pie, Risotto or a Veggie Curry to fit in with their comfort food ethos.
MAINS
Usually a beef burger lover, James decided to try out the Thai Veggie version: ‘A spicy quinoa burger with edamame beans, pak choi, wood-roasted peppers, coconut sauce and sweet chilli jam’ served with a colourful coleslaw and a side of sweet potato fries. Decent portion, visually appealing and packed with flavour, this gained a positive verdict which made for an enjoyable and substantial meat alternative.
I fancied sampling some of the smaller dishes: Falafel with red pepper hummus; Crushed Minted Peas & Butterbeans with lemon oil and toasted pumpkin seeds from the Tapas section plus the Spinach, savoy cabbage & greens from the Sides. Perhaps a slightly random mixture, I enjoyed the golden, crunchy falafels and their perfectly paired well-seasoned dip. Although the vegetables were very plain with no additional flavouring (where were the fresh herbs or lemon zest?), they went well with the minted peas dish which although didn’t look too appetising, was pleasantly tasty.
DESSERT
With only one option to choose from (it would have been nice to see at least two), we ordered the Orange, Mango & Blackcurrant Marshfield Farm Sorbet which was definitely enough to share between us. Refreshing, fruity, juicy and sweet, James particularly loved the orange and mango flavours – but again, I felt that it was missing a little something, perhaps some whole fruit, a coulis or fresh mint leaves to make it a bit more exciting.
VEGAN VERDICT
Cosy Club’s aim is that: ‘every customer leaves feeling splendid’. Although we would have liked to have seen a little more choice on the menu and tweaks to some of the vegan dishes, we left feeling full and couldn’t fault the relaxed atmosphere and attentive, chatty service. Cosy Club is a cracking place to go with a group of family/friends, especially if dietary requirements need to be catered for – it will be interesting to see if this side of the menu expands over time!
Thanks to the Corn Exchange to inviting me to be part of this campaign and the lovely staff at Cosy Club. Look out for my other review posts!