Lewis Foster

Could you imagine a pub meal without any meat? Lincoln pub The Horse & Groom is challenging pub grub expectations by reimagining classics with a vegan twist.

Kashmiri kob, a falafel-like pattie on a seeded bun, replaces the burger and their version of mac ‘n’ cheese sees dairy products swapped out for a blend of ruby chard and wild mushrooms.

Desserts have also be reimagined, with a gluten and dairy free brownie proving popular with punters.

We went along to their vegetarian and vegan festival on Friday, June 22.

Managers Emily Pheby (left) and Suzy Swanson (right) have helped make the vegan menu a success. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

General Manager Emily Pheby said: “We did our first Veggie and Vegan day back in April and it was really really successful.

“So we’ve done it again for today and hope to make it a regular thing.

“Vegan food is becoming quite sought after in Lincoln, but not a lot of places offer much vegan choice, so for us to bring it to a pub is quite different.

“To turn pub classics like burgers into vegan alternatives has been really interesting, but fortunately head chef Marc Jakubik is really really knowledgeable in vegan products.”

“With our desserts especially a lot of people have been very very surprised that they are completely 100% vegan, they can’t tell the difference sometimes, especially with the chocolate brownie.”

The next vegan day is yet to be scheduled.

The full Veggie & Vegan Day menu at The Horse & Groom.

Also watch the CityX feature on vegan food in Lincoln

Lincoln MP Karen Lee has goaded Lincolnshire County Council over a pothole some residents have described as a ‘crater’.

The MP posted a photo on Twitter of herself and Labour by-election candidate Matthew Newman posing with the “dangerous pothole” on Lapwing Close, Skellingthorpe asking Richard Davies and the County Council when it would be fixed.

Karen Lee MP wrote: “I contacted Richard Davies about this dangerous pothole in Skellingthorpe a couple of weeks ago and residents have too, so when are Lincolnshire County Council going to mend it?

“They say they spend loads on mending potholes, so when will this happen?

“Do we have to wait for an accident to happen?”

Another Skellingthorpe pothole. Photo: Matthew Newman

Locals were quick to reply with support, with many pointing out other potholes that have yet to be fixed.

Clive Prachett said: “State of roads shocking. Needs sorting before someone is killed.”

Phil Anderson said: “Pothole is being generous, more like a crater.”

Jamie Thompson said: “There are some huge, very deep potholes on black lane between Skellingthorpe and Eagle.

“Really dangerous to both drivers and cyclists. Everything I’ve reported thus far has been ignored though.”

Councillor Richard Davies. Photo: The Lincolnite

Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “We are aware of the pothole on Lapwing Close, and are arranging for the necessary repairs.

“I think everyone is well aware of the large number of potholes that have resulted from the severe winter weather.

“And I think most people understand that we need to prioritise the potholes on our busiest roads, which does mean it can take time for us to get to quieter residential roads like this.

“However, now the weather is improving, we’re beginning to catch up with the backlog.

“We’ve also brought in three additional teams to help deal with the extra workload, so I expect the number of monthly repairs to increase considerably.

“One thing I would ask is that people who wish to alert us to potholes, like Karen, use our online system at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faultreporting .

“That’s the quickest and easiest way to bring them to our attention, and will ensure they are dealt with as soon as possible.”