No Meat Monday on the Road: Eating Out When Cooking Isn’t an Option
One thing I’ve learned from committing to No Meat Monday is that life doesn’t always align perfectly with meal plans — especially when travelling. Today was one of those days. With no kitchen facilities available and a road trip schedule to keep, cooking a thoughtful meat-free meal wasn’t going to happen. But giving up on my No Meat Monday? Not an option.
When Travel Meets Meat-Free Commitment
Travelling brings freedom, surprises, and moments where plans change on a whim. Some days I have a cosy motorhome kitchen or an apartment stove. Other days — like today — I’m relying on cafés and pub grub.
This challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Even on the road, I wanted to stick to my commitment. So instead of seeing “no kitchen” as a barrier, I treated it as an opportunity to explore local flavours and support places offering thoughtful vegetarian dishes.
The Meal
The night was a get together with friends in Atherstone in Warwickshire. The venue was the Blue Boar. Monday night is “Steak Night” at the Blue Boar. I’m not really a steak fan anyway so I was quite happy to have something that suited my No Meat Monday meal. There wasn’t a lot of choice on the menu, so I opted for the leek and potato bake which came with chips and veg. (double spuds, very creative). There isn’t a lot to say about the leek and potatoes bake, apart from “disappointing”. it was quite bland and the lack of a descent about of leek and potatoes didn’t help. The chips and veg were ok. If I’m in Atherstone on a monday again and we go to star night, I’l try the halloumi burger
Why Flexibility Matters
My No Meat Monday challenge is a long-term commitment, not a strict rulebook. Some Mondays I cook at home, experimenting with new recipes and ingredients. Other Mondays — like today — remind me that being adaptable is part of the journey.
Eating out wasn’t an indulgence; it was a necessity. And that’s perfectly okay. What matters is making mindful choices, wherever you are, whatever your kitchen looks like (or doesn’t look like!).
Takeaway Thought
So here’s to the travellers, the explorers, the motorhome wanderers, and anyone whose Monday doesn’t always look the same. Sticking to No Meat Monday isn’t about controlling every circumstance — it’s about choosing consciously, even when life is in motion.
No kitchen? No problem. With a little intention and curiosity, you can hopefully still enjoy a satisfying meat-free meal on the go.
What I Ate Today
Breakfast
Vegetarian English breakfast. Notes: It’s the same as the meat version minus the bacon and a sausage swap. It was a good sart to the day
Lunch
I didn’t eat lunch today
Dinner (Featured Meal)
leek and potato bake which came with chips and veg. Notes: Disapointing.