Business Details
Vegetarian & Vegan Pub Restaurant in Thwaite
The Walnut Tree Thwaite is a distinguished vegetarian and vegan pub restaurant nestled in the heart of Suffolk. With a rich history of serving plant-based cuisine from our previous location at the Veggie Red Lion in Great Bricett, we relocated to the historic Bucks Head in Thwaite to continue our culinary journey. Recognised in The Times as one of the UK's 30 BEST vegan and vegetarian restaurants, our establishment combines heritage with innovation. Our Grade II-listed premises feature inviting open fires for winter evenings and a beautifully landscaped beer garden with outdoor heaters for seasonal dining. We pride ourselves on crafting homemade dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, complemented by an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and real ales.Our family-friendly environment welcomes children with a dedicated menu and accommodates well-behaved dogs in the bar area. Beyond our dining experience, we offer a retail space stocked with gourmet frozen meals, artisanal chocolates, and eco-conscious gifts, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and community. Our team's expertise in plant-based cuisine, spanning decades, ensures every guest receives exceptional service and memorable meals.
Services
Vegetarian & Vegan Dining
Brunch Menu
Christmas Feasts
Frozen Takeaway Meals
Gourmet Pizzas
Retail Shop
Gift Vouchers
Private Dining
Beer Garden
Plant-Based Catering
Highlights and features
- Award-winning vegetarian and vegan restaurant listed in The Times
- Dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Family-friendly environment with dedicated children's menu
- Sustainable practices including upcycled planters and eco-products
- Historic Grade II-listed premises with versatile dining spaces
Services
Vegetarian & Vegan Dining
Our restaurant offers innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. Menus feature daily specials, gluten-free options, and allergen information. Chefs utilise traditional and modern techniques to create flavourful meals suitable for diverse dietary requirements.
Brunch Menu
Weekend brunch service from 10:30am to 2:30pm includes hearty options like full English breakfasts and smashed avocado toast. Dishes combine classic comfort food with contemporary plant-based twists, catering to both casual diners and special occasions.
Frozen Takeaway Meals
Our frozen ready-meals range includes vegan, gluten-free options like Moroccan tagine and Thai curry. Meals are pre-prepared for home convenience while maintaining restaurant-quality presentation and nutritional value. Available for collection or pre-order.
Retail Shop
Adjacent retail space offers artisanal chocolates, handmade cards, and locally sourced products. Features eco-friendly gifts, upcycled planters, and branded merchandise. Operates with sustainability principles across product selection and packaging.
Private Dining
Special occasion menus and venue hire available for Christmas feasts and private events. Offers three-course dining experiences with seasonal decorations. Reservations require advance booking through dedicated channels.
Questions
Do you offer vegan and gluten-free options?
All our menus include clearly marked vegan (V) and gluten-free (W) options. Our kitchen staff are trained to handle dietary requirements, though we operate in a shared kitchen environment.
Can I book a table for a special occasion?
Yes, we recommend advance booking for Christmas menus and private events. Table reservations can be made via phone or online form, with confirmation provided by email or call.
What are your opening hours?
We're open Wednesday-Saturday 10:30am-10pm, Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Brunch service available Weds-Sun 10:30am-2:30pm.
Do you sell takeaway food?
Yes, we offer frozen vegan gluten-free ready-meals and gourmet pizzas for takeaway. Orders can be placed by phone for collection during operating hours.
Is the restaurant family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome children with a dedicated menu and high chairs. Well-behaved dogs are permitted in the bar area with their owners.
What facilities do you have?
Features include a beer garden with outdoor heaters, open fires in winter, and a retail shop. The premises are Grade II-listed with accessible facilities available.
Reviews (6)
Stephen Gooch
Jan 29, 2022
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I enjoy meat but with the Vegetarian and Vegan menu i always find a tasty and satisfying meal. The typical country pub feal and attentive service always makes for a pleasant experience.
Jenny Mcguinness
Jan 25, 2022
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Had a lovely evening celebrating a friend's Birthday. Most amazing meal and great to have such a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from. Would highly recommend
Sue Baldy
Jan 11, 2022
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Found this by total accident the other day and stopped for a fabulous lunch. so impressed we also bought some of their take away meals. just wish we lived nearer.
Jorge Hernandez
Jan 09, 2022
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What a great find! Previously known as The Vegetarian Red Lion, this pub/restaurant is a lovely, cosy and pleasant place to dine or simply hang out. Lots of unique fully veggie and vegan dishes to choose from, cooked to perfection. Staff are welcoming, sharp and professional. Will be back for sure!
Wheelie
Jan 04, 2022
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Outstanding vegetarian menu, great service. Every meal I've had there has been superb. Good guest beers too!
Ian Coates
Dec 26, 2021
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Veggie restaurant with a really good range of food items, I was a bit piggy and had the Bao Buns to myself instead of sharing like they were advertised...big mistake! They are gorgeous but as there are four of them definitely meant for sharing. Good service, friendly staff and COVID conscious, a really good place to go if you like veggie food.
