Henderson's Vegetarian Restaurant

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Established in 1962, Henderson’s will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. No mean feat for a restaurant that started life as an outlet for dishes made with produce from Janet Henderson’s kitchen garden at the family's East Lothian farm. From these humble beginnings an Edinburgh institution was born. As other vegetarian restaurants have come and gone, this one continues to thrive and their original ethos of ‘eat better, live better’ is still very much at the heart of what they do. A huge blackboard details the daily-changing specials which can include dishes such as lentil and bean daal served with brown rice or savoury crêpe stuffed with creamy mushroom and spinach. In addition, myriad freshly prepared salads are available to choose from, as well as home-made hummus and spicy bean pâté, quiches, cheeses and a selection of home baking which will test those with even the firmest of resolve. Fresh juices are refreshing and tasty and there’s a great choice of teas to go with the cake you won’t be able to resist.

• High point: Virtuous, healthy eating
• Low point: The number of offers can be confusing

Listed in The Larder – in the shops now or buy online.

Founded by Janet Henderson in 1962, Henderson’s Deli is an Edinburgh institution. Committed to selling wholesome, natural food at reasonable prices, there is also a salad bar downstairs, bistro alongside and an art gallery upstairs. Bread and cakes come from Henderson’s wholemeal bakehouse on the same premises. An array of vegetarian and vegan specialities are available, along with locally grown fruit and vegetables (organic where possible). Salads, soups, sandwiches, ready-made meals and fresh juices are available to takeaway.

1. Amy Minnis, Edinburgh – 21 August 2009, 3:07pmHenderson's Vegetarian RestaurantReport

I have been going to Henderson's for about 40 years but I doubt if I will be back. Today my mum and I had a 'medium' salad - 3 spoonfuls on a tiny side-plate. They were all watery and tasteless. Mum complained and Mr Henderson said he was away to taste them but he didn't come back. The choice of salads is nothing like as extensive as it used to be and you just get the feeling they are trying to give you as little as they can get away with - hence the tiny plates with food spilling over the edge. It is a shame because we used to really enjoy the food there - and we're not vegetarian.