A vegan butcher's shop, one of only a handful across the country, has opened in Norwich with the aim to prove that plant-based food can be just as tasty. 

The Little Vegan Butchers has launched at Alexander House in Rose Lane, which was previously occupied by the World Association of Wrestling (WAW).

Eastern Daily Press: The Little Vegan Butchers is located in Alexander House in Rose LaneThe Little Vegan Butchers is located in Alexander House in Rose Lane (Image: Denise Bradley)

The new business is run by Scott and Clare Heapy, both 43, and they have had the Crazy Pineapple Catering Company for the last five years.

The pair have done catering for TV shows and films, including the recent Paramount+ series The Chemistry of Death shot in Norfolk. 

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the items on offer at The Little Vegan Butchers in Norwich. Some of the items on offer at The Little Vegan Butchers in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ms Heapy said: "I worked as a radiographer for the NHS for 11 years and through lockdown and it came to a point where I wanted to do something different and I began helping Scott more.

"We started doing more plant-based meals at the Crazy Pineapple and cast and crew members were asking for our recipes, which evolved into the idea for the shop." 

Eastern Daily Press: Plant-based ribs from The Little Vegan Butchers. Plant-based ribs from The Little Vegan Butchers. (Image: Denise Bradley)

On offer is a range of meat alternatives the pair make themselves, with options such as 'vishcakes' with white bean pea protein, 'vibs' and 'vacon' with vital wheat gluten and burgers made from soya protein with Applewood vegan cheese inside. 

There is also a coffee machine and deli section and from next week a lunch counter will offer sandwiches, wraps, salads and more.

Eastern Daily Press: Vegan burgers with cheese in the middle from The Little Vegan Butchers. Vegan burgers with cheese in the middle from The Little Vegan Butchers. (Image: Denise Bradley) 

A taster box is currently available for £15 for the launch and themed boxes are being introduced next week too, ranging from breakfast to Sunday roast. 

The three-course Valentine's Day Box is available to pre-order now for £25 for two and the choice of mains is 'steak' chimichurri and confit chips, 'vish' mornay with asparagus and potatoes or sticky Korean short 'vibs' with rice. 

Eastern Daily Press: These 'vishcakes' are available from The Little Vegan Butchers. These 'vishcakes' are available from The Little Vegan Butchers. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Heapy said: "We don't just want to be for people that eat fully plant-based - it is about finding a balance and encouraging those that aren't to cut down on animal products too.

"The reaction so far has been really positive and I can also offer private dining at home."

The Little Vegan Butchers is open from 10am-5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday.