A NEW vegan restaurant is to open its doors in the heart of Bradford city centre.

Falafel n’ Juice Co will be located at the bottom of Kirkgate, opposite Barclay’s. 

As its name suggests, it will serve up falafel, served with hummus and a variety of fresh salad.

Its juices will be freshly-made, to go alongside the falafel offering.

The new spot is currently being refurbished ahead of opening in the coming weeks. 

A company spokesperson told the Telegraph & Argus: “We believe we are the first vegan restaurant in Bradford. 

“But you don’t have to be a vegan to love our food.

“Falafel is one of the most famous and popular dishes from around the world.

“Our concept is something different from the burgers, currys, fried chicken and kebabs you see everywhere in Bradford. 

“We offer something crispy, flavourful and tasty you can grab with you on the go - but at the same time healthy and 100 per cent vegan.”

There is a Falafel n’ Juice in Oslo, Norway, which is said to have been a “massive success” and the spokesperson added: “We are confident that the people in Bradford will love our falafel just as much as they do in Oslo.

“We had been looking for an empty shop to transform into Falafel n’ Juice Co ever since before lockdown. 

“When this place on Kirkgate was out to let, we got really excited. 

“The location was just perfect. So whether you’re out and about shopping in The Broadway, waiting in the queue at Barclay’s or on your way to catch the train at Forster Square Station, it’s easy to come by and grab a falafel wrap and fresh juice.”

They said they believe it will be an “amazing” addition to the city centre and added: “We are currently working hard to refurbish and getting everything together for opening up within a few weeks.”

A vegan lifestyle is one that avoids all animal foods such as meat, dairy, eggs and honey; animal derived products like leather; and, as far as possible, products tested on animals.

A recent study found 37 per cent of Brits had actively reduced or removed animal products from their diet in the last five years.

Veganism has seen a boom in recent years, with supermarkets and major food outlets increasing - or introducing for the first time- meat and dairy-free alternatives.

Louisianna Waring, Senior Insight and Policy Officer at The Vegan Society, said: “It isn’t at all surprising to see so many people are leaving meat off their plates and ditching dairy.”

She added: “We know that interest in veganism is at an all-time high – particularly amongst young people who are genuinely concerned about environmental issues and the future. 

“Perhaps the most promising finding from this survey is that older people are actually leading the way when it comes to reducing their meat intake, which is fantastic news.”