Vegetarian Society moves to new HQ in the heart of Manchester

Manchester is full of incredible Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants

And with it being Veganuary, there’s never been a better opportunity to go green.

Did you know, it’s also home to the vegetarian society?

In a strategic move closer to its Salford roots, the Vegetarian Society, founded in 1847, is set to relocate its headquarters from Altrincham to Jackson’s Warehouse on Great Ancoats Street.

Following the sale of its Altrincham HQ last year, the charity is embracing a new chapter by converting part of the ground floor of the listed Manchester building into a state-of-the-art cooking school and offices.

Manchester’s Vegetarian Society

The Tariff Street scheme will unfold with a plethora of features, including a prep kitchen, boardroom, reception, and dining area.

The Vegetarian Society envisions a vibrant hub that not only caters to its administrative needs but also fosters culinary education and innovation.

Despite the reduction in space, the Vegetarian Society’s new home spans 2,800 sq ft, significantly smaller than its previous 10,000 sq ft headquarters in Parkdale, Altrincham.

The former site, a landmark of the society’s history, was successfully sold for £2.65m to a private buyer last year, as documented by the Land Registry.

The Vegetarian Society

Savills, the renowned real estate advisor, not only facilitated the sale of the Vegetarian Society’s previous site but also played a pivotal role in advising on the plans for the new head office.

The move is a strategic decision aligning with the society’s mission and growth objectives.

Richard McilWait from the Vegetarian Society

Richard McIlwain, Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, expressed enthusiasm about the relocation, stating, “Our old home in Bowden was no longer fit for purpose.

“We’re thrilled to be moving back into central Manchester – with its thriving veggie and vegan scene.”

McIlwain further added, “After all, the Vegetarian Society was formed in Salford and based in Manchester for much of its 175-year history.

We are still awaiting the necessary planning consents, but we very much hope to be opening our new teaching kitchen and welcoming people to our new HQ in mid-2024.”

Salford’s Influence on Vegetarian Movement

The roots of the vegetarian movement in the UK trace back to the Beefsteak Chapel in Salford, where Reverend William Cowherd advocated for a meat-free diet.

Following Cowherd’s legacy, Joseph Brotherton, who later became Salford’s first-ever MP, took on leadership at the church.

This historical connection adds depth to the Vegetarian Society’s move, marking a return to the geographical and ideological origins of the movement.

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