Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is delighted to mark the one-year anniversary of its monthly lunch club for older vegans and vegetarians.
Since its first gathering last September, the club has grown into an important social and dining fixture – a place where people can share great food, make friends, and feel part of a like-minded community.
Future lunch club dates are on 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, & 8 December.
Kim Stringer, V for Life’s Director (Scotland), explains:
“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. It’s not just about the food – it’s about building a supportive community of like-minded people.”
The monthly meet-ups have created lasting friendships. Some members now arrange outings beyond the lunch club – including a sunny group visit to Ananda animal sanctuary.
Lorraine and David, regular attendees, say:
“It’s a lovely, friendly bunch of people who have the same ethos as us. We always look forward to going every month, enjoying a chat over lovely food. So glad that we joined this group.”
For others, it has been a welcoming way to settle into a new area. Wendy, who joined recently, notes:
“Apart from the obvious – meeting new people when I’m new to the area – I’ve really enjoyed the food, and having shared interests makes conversation easy. Hendersons is a great venue to support too, and I look forward to our next meeting.”
Hendersons owner Barrie Henderson shares this enthusiasm:
“V for Life is a fantastic organisation and we are so happy to collaborate with them. The lunch clubs are a great way for people to meet up, make friends and build community – all things we are passionate about too.”
Event highlights include:
- Delicious vegan food for just £12 – choose from freshly made soup and salad, hearty soup with an open sandwich, a sandwich and salad, or creamy vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
- Friendly company – meet fellow older vegans and vegetarians in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Healthy eating – enjoy nutritious, wholesome dishes designed with wellbeing in mind.
Don’t miss their special anniversary lunch – a chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate plant-based living together.
Reservation details: Quote “lunch club 2025” when booking.
- Phone: 0131 202 1635
- Email: hello@hendersonsrestaurant.com
- Website: www.hendersonsrestaurant.com
About V for Life
V for Life is the UK charity championing older vegans and vegetarians – helping people live in line with their values for life. We’re more than a charity – we’re a community. From protecting and promoting the vegan and vegetarian way of life for generations to come, to offering practical support when it matters most, our work goes far beyond what’s on the plate.
Whether it’s providing trusted information and advice, delivering cookery workshops tailored to the needs of older adults, or training care caterers, we aim to be the first port of call for anyone seeking to support a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle later in life.
Our award-winning chefs bring hands-on and demonstration cookery sessions to communities across the UK, with simple, nutritious recipes that anyone can master.
Claire Bannerman, V for Life’s Roving Chef (Scotland) says: “For those unable to attend in person, we also offer virtual cook-alongs – a lifeline for carers or people with mobility challenges – so everyone can share in the joy of cooking together, even from a distance.”
Find out more at vforlife.org.uk or join our community at vforlife.org.uk/join.
Registered charity in England and Wales, number 1120687.
About Hendersons
Hendersons first opened in Edinburgh 1962, blazing a trail for the vegetarian and healthy-eating lifestyle. Initially an outlet for the organic produce grown at Janet and Mac Henderson’s East Lothian farm, it expanded to a bistro bar and the popular Salad Table restaurant. This pioneering approach to dining earned Hendersons iconic status on Scotland’s food and drink scene.
Almost six decades later, in the summer of 2020, Hendersons ceased trading as a result of lockdown, much to the dismay of their long-standing customer base.
In order to preserve Janet’s legacy, her grandson Barrie Henderson opened a new restaurant in October 2021 serving wholesome vegan and vegetarian food made with fresh, organic, local and sustainable produce.
Hendersons Eat Better Live Better stands by the values that the original Hendersons also stood for, such as using locally sourced whole food and organic ingredients as much as possible.
The menu is accessible enough for everyone but also contains plenty of options for people with specific dietary requirements and we hope you will visit us soon!