We’re excited to share details of V for Life’s lunch club at Hendersons in Edinburgh. Taking place this September, older vegans and vegetarians will have the chance to meet like-minded people, socialise, and make new friends, all while enjoying a delicious and healthy vegan lunch for only £10!
The story of Hendersons is one deeply rooted in history, with a longstanding commitment to quality that spans generations. Manager Clara reflects on what makes the restaurant so special and how it continues to honour its legacy.
"Hendersons – Eat Better Live Better opened its doors in October 2021," Clara begins. "But our story started long before that. This restaurant continues a journey that began with Janet Henderson, the founder of the original Hendersons on Hanover Street, which opened back in 1962."
Clara explains how the original Hendersons, the UK’s longest-running vegetarian restaurant, had become a beloved institution in Edinburgh. However, in 2020, the pandemic forced its closure, marking the end of an era and leaving a noticeable gap in the city’s dining scene.
"But Barrie Henderson, Janet’s grandson, couldn't let that be the end of the story," Clara shares. "He was determined to keep his grandmother’s legacy alive, and that’s why he opened this new restaurant right here in the heart of Edinburgh."
Not only did Barrie return to carry on the family tradition, but so did many of the original staff members who had lost their jobs due to the closure. Clara emphasises that the values which made the original Hendersons so special remain central to the new location.
"We still stand by what made Hendersons unique," Clara says with pride. "We focus on using locally sourced, whole foods and organic ingredients wherever possible. Our menu is designed to be accessible to everyone, with plenty of options for those with specific dietary requirements."
Through the revival of Hendersons, Barrie and his team continue to uphold the restaurant’s original ethos, ensuring that this cherished part of Edinburgh’s culinary history lives on for future generations.
Kim Stringer, V for Life’s Director (Scotland), also highlights the importance of the lunch club. "We know that loneliness can often affect older adults; however, events like this lunch club help foster meaningful connections over a shared passion for good, healthy food, and common values. Our aim is to create a space where individuals can enjoy a sense of belonging, alongside wholesome meals designed with their nutritional needs in mind. It’s not just about the food – it’s about building a supportive community of like-minded people."
Be quick to reserve your place at this special event! You can book in any of the following ways quoting “lunch club 2024”:
Telephone: 0131 202 1635
Address: 7–13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4JB
Email: hello@hendersonsrestaurant.com
Website: www.hendersonsrestaurant.com
Hendersons has a ground floor accessible toilet and is pet-friendly (please confirm in advance if bringing pets to book a suitable table).
We look forward to meeting you there!
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