OVER the past few years vegetarianism and especially veganism have been in the public eye and have been growing in popularity.

And in Cumbria, there are a number of great places which serve up a variety of delicious vegan dishes.

Here at the Whitehaven News, we asked readers to share their favourite places in the area on our Facebook.

In no particular order, here are a number of the best places, as recommended by you, our readers:

1 VEEVA! STATION ROAD, COCKERMOUTH

The coffee shop offers a number of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Rachel Tate said: “VeeVa! in Cockermouth has a veggie selection but also then accommodate me in making any of their other offerings veggie too, especially breakfast.”

2 ALLONBY TEA ROOM, THE SQUARE, ALLONBY, MARYPORT

The tea room, and gift shop, located at The Square in the west of the county, was highly recommended by several readers for their vegan options.

Sarah Mcarthur said: “Allonby Tea Room is highly recommended, love this place.”

3 KAT’S KITCHEN, MAIN STREET, KESWICK

The vegan restaurant, on Main Street, has a number of rave reviews from readers.

Rachael Rheinbach posted: “Kat’s Kitchen of Keswick for pure dedication to the vegan menu that’s always top class.”

Lauren Beaty said: “Ran by the most lovely lady ever!

“Brilliant smoothies and great food as well!”

4 THE SCREES INN, NETHER WASDALE. SEASCALE

Vicky Johnston said: “The Screes in Nether Wasdale.

"A really extensive veggie and vegan menu, innovative and beautifully cooked and presented. Delicious.”

5 THE PLOUGH INN, WREAY GARDENS, WREAY

The restaurant, located near the M6 just south of Carlisle, was recommended by Jane Kirby.

She said: “The Plough Inn, Wreay, do veggie burgers, fajitas, starters and mains on their special boards and have vegan options too.

“For bigger parties over 10 and pre-ordered they have a full vegan menu available on request.”

6 FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD, CROSBY STREET, CARLISLE

The gourmet grocery shop, on Crosby Street, Carlisle, serves a range of vegan products, from cupboard essentials to chocolates.

Rachael Rheinback said: “They even order in what you need if they don’t have it.”

Dawn Thompson-Howard said: “Food, Glorious Food for chocolate, treats, dairy-free cheese, etc!”

7 EVA’S ORGANICS, LOW LUCKENS, CARLISLE

The Roweltown company, who pride themselves on local, healthy, organic fruit and vegetables, was recommended by Holly Horsley who posted: “Start the new year by ordering a fruit and veg box from Eva’s Organics, they also have amazing Organic Apple Juice which can be found in many cafes across Cumbria including Kat’s Kitchen of Keswick.”