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 dishes via delivery or takeaway!

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 vegan options for pick-up.

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 THE HUNGRY CATAPILLAR, WHITEHAVEN

Customer Piers Hathaway Jones waxed lyrical about the options on offer at this Whitehaven venue which is offering a taekaway option during this period.

He stated: "My favourite place to get a quick bite to eat and the only place I still buy takeaway, great tasting healthy food!"

3 CASA A ROMA, WHITEHAVEN

This Whitehaven has a dedicated vegan menu!

One customer stated: "My partner is a vegan and in most places she can typically only choose form a few converted dishes. In Casa A Roma they have a whole separate vegan menu! Thomas recommended fusilli al funghi and roast pepper risotto - both very delicious!"

Another added: Plenty of selection for Vegans. Will definitely return when in the area again. Tip: Add the spinach side to the mushroom pasta, it really works well together."

Their food is available for delivery or collection from 5pm onwards.

4 CAFE WEST, WHITEHAVEN

This great cafe in Whitehaven has proven a hit.

One reviewer stated: "Some of us were vegetarian, one vegan and gluten free and we were all catered for amicably. What I love most about this cafe is the fact that they employ people with special needs and what a warm friendly polite bunch they were."

Their meals are available for collection or for delivery.

5 EVA’S ORGANICS, LOW LUCKENS, DELVERY AVAILABLE IN CUMBRIA

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.”

You can order delivery of their food boxes online on their website or via their Facebook site.