The Proof of the Pudding . . . Cafe Pushkar
16c Market Row, Brixton SW9 This lively London cafe (named after a vegetarian town in India) was opened in June 1992 by vegetarian proprietor, Helen Yeomans. Originally intended to provide vegetarian meals with a slant on vegan dishes, the cafe now boasts a daily menu which is 75% vegan. Gentle persuasion came in the form of chef Kate Mayglothling, a committed vegan who helped establish the business. With her enthusiasm and imaginative recipe ideas, she convinced Helen that vegan food is both extremely tasty and financially viable. Both agree that the harmonious, egalitarian working environment is enhanced by having an all-women staff. Job sharing is encouraged and maternity leave easily arranged. Ecological considerations are a priority; only 'green' cleaning products are used and as many materials as possible recycled. Meals are freshly prepared each morning from wholefood ingredients bought in bulk from a workers' co-operative. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed; artwork is exhibited on the walls and live musicians play every Saturday. Families and women with young babies are welcomed. As oasis for vegans, all the cakes are completely animal-free, soya dessert and soya milk are always available, and vegan 'cappuccino's' are a house speciality. A 10% discount is offered to VS members. The Bay Tree
403 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 This cafe, a vegan women's co-operative, was set up in July 1990. One of the founder co-op members, Kim Atherton, writes:
^
f
^
ritfmuy,
V Q
is
ti
;
^SAm fii
w
Marianne Macdonald, currently a Holloway remand prisoner, has written her first impressions of being a vegan in a women's prison: I found prison much better than expected — more like a strict boarding school. There was no problem with getting vegan food and the diet is really quite healthy, with fruit every day. Suitable toiletries have been more of a problem, although with patience I have eventually been able to get all I need — although remained smelly for quite a time. Holloway has it's own swimming pool and two gyms so it is easy to get fit if you want to. Although still at the very early stages of my time in prison, now that I am used to the timetable, I'm finding things much easier.
Veganism, Periods and 'The Pill'
Two readers have expressed concern at doctors' over-eagerness in prescribing 'the pill' for "medical reasons" — i.e. to 'regulate' the menstrual cycles of women who are paralyzed each month with long, painful or irregular periods. One such afflicted vegan has recently discovered, to her horror, that her brand contains lactose and magnesium stearate. In addition she is uncomfortably aware of animal testing and would like to stop using it altogether if she could find an alternative. Wondering how many other vegan women have to suffer this terrible dilemma of conscience, she would be interested to hear from others' experiences via 'Womenspeak'. On a more positive note, however, Christine Watt writes: "My menstruation cramps were horrendous all my life as a vegetarian; however, since becoming vegan, they are much diminished. I'd be interested in knowing of any research (not synonymous with animal experimentation in this instance) about this. If there isn't any, maybe we can undertake it ourselves through 'Womenspeak' — a sound, scientific, epidemiological, and clinical study, with nary an animal in sight." Please write with your views on the above suggestions
\
O.'L) 1 _
To OfL
r-gl&tjo
/
m/efbkt-
AcufiPoCEb tHitxfetf |2.CtpVG of Cjfitllf-
//rojou J
For an animal rights prisoner/vegan, the isolation from like-minded people is a major obstacle, so at the start contact with the outside through letters and visits is doubly important. Whenever I have become depressed, I remember what animals have to suffer, and although I may still feel sorry for myself, things are put into proportion.
^u/^oup..^^-.-
^ftkouTTwr
StMrtj
/HtT^f^fF-
9 The Vegan. Summer 1993
New Experiences
i f
Uj£
fw.ItV.-
We chose an animal-free lifestyle for various reasons, among them concern about the way the world's resources are (mis)used, concern about the rights and treatment of animals, ecological, health and spiritual reasons. We all have a common revulsion for the 'greed is good' ethic. Our aims are to provide good food in a happy atmosphere, liaise with other co-ops and allow ourselves a better quality of life as women and vegans. Unlike most cafes we make almost all of our food ourselves with very little reliance on convenience foods. We have learned a lot and still have much to learn, making major decisions and reviewing progress (as well as eating lots of chocolate cake!). The cafe has been successful despite predictions to the contrary from bank managers and accountants. You can expect a warm welcome at The Bay Tree. We offer a 10% discount to VS members.
/
/