A vegan restaurant in Somerset has made the decision to put meat on their menu after being hit by the cost-of-living crisis.
Customers of The Mango Tree in Taunton, Somerset, have shared their dismay at the restaurant’s decision to update their menu to include meat based dishes.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant said: “In the near future, our restaurant will be undergoing an exciting period of change".
Facebook: The Mango Tree
Vegan Fishless Fillets
Isabel Infantes
In a Facebook post, the restaurant said: “In the near future, our restaurant will be undergoing an exciting period of change, as we re-imagine ourselves to offer the Taunton Community new and exciting options to dine in and takeaway - all in the same location and with the same team you know and love!”
Responding, customers shared their disappointment at the decision to stop serving solely vegan and vegetarian dishes.
One person commented: “Hope it stays a meat free zone”, another said: “I echo the sadness of others who have commented. Perhaps shaking up the menu, which has, as previously mentioned, remained the same for the past few years, would have ensured repeat business from customers who valued the Mango Tree and its ethos, but I guess if it’s not run by ethical vegans then remaining a veggie/vegan restaurant isn’t the priority.”
A third customer said: “I guess money comes before ethics to you, you’ve a very strange idea of what veganism is.”
The restaurant replied: “The only other option was to close permanently. Ethics extend to the jobs and welfare of our wonderful team, to whom we owe a great deal, and another chance.”
They went on to announce that they would be closing temporarily in order to make the changes.