From making sour dough, to trying something healthier, our extra time spent at home in recent times has given us all a chance to look more closely at what we eat.

This month, Veganuary gives us all an extra focus - and if you’re looking for a challenge, it could be to go meat-free this month, or at last have a go at it.

New research shows more than a quarter of our meals in January will be meat-free - that’s 1.2 billion - and the move, with its welcome impact on the environment is being backed by celebrities from Chris Packham to comedian Sara Pascoe. More than 400,000 people took part last year, including Brian May and Meatloaf.

Chris said: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the coronavirus pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to live sustainably.”

To help you, we’ve picked five vegan spots across the county to try that you might be close to.

* Please follow the latest guidelines when doing your essential shopping and only travel locally.

Matestone, Maidstone

The recently-opened coffee shop is one of the signs of life on Maidstone High Street currently. Normally providing a homely space for folk to meet, currently you can order via social media and pop in while following current guidelines. The menu caters for people on a gluten free and vegan diet and includes snacks, cakes, breakfast and lunches, as well as a flat white with oat milk. Find out more on Facebook or here.

Cafe Revival, Whitstable

The mental health social enterprise cafe has gone online offering some of its café goodies and some other treats to order from home for collection or delivery if you live locally. They include Friday Share the Love lunches for £5 which include dishes such as roasted pepper and potato goulash and salted chocolate cookies, as well as activity bags with craft and cooking activities for children. If you live in the area visit revivalkent.co.uk

The Meatball Company, Deal

The company in Beach Street may sound like it’s carnivores only but customers can choose their meatballs made from soya, with a homemade sauce and sides ranging from fresh vegetables and salads to chips, bread or truffle mash. Food is available Thursday to Monday from 4.30pm and there is a delivery service within a two mile radius or orders can be collected. Where possible, food is packaged using Vegware containers made from plants using renewable, lower carbon, recycled or reclaimed materials. If you live in the area order here or download the app.

Quills, Rochester

The restaurant in Rochester High Street may be closed to diners currently, but its menu featuring a selection of vegan treats is available for takeaway and delivery. Offerings include an all day vegan breakfast for £9.95 and a bean chilli for £9.99. To see the full menu and order go to thequills.co.uk

The Little Teapot, Ashford

The cafe in Park Mall is still open for takeaway or delivery Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm, and you can pop in to collect your order if you’re doing your essential shopping in town. There are vegan treats as well as gluten free and dairy free goodies. See the menu here or visit the Facebook page.

For more information on Veganuary, including recipe ideas, go to veganuary.com

Why I stayed on the vegan diet after Veganuary

For more food news across Kent and recipes to try click here.