A POPULAR Llanidloes cafe will be flying the flag for Wales at the first ever UK Vegetarian and Vegan Awards.

The Great Oak is among 10 businesses from across the country which have been shortlisted for the Vegan Cafe of the Year award.

“It’s come as a surprise to us!” duty manager Gail Bell said.

“It’s brilliant. We’re all thrilled to be recognised.”

Gail says it’s all down to the “friendly bunch” of staff led by owners Alison and Scott Ottewill, and the “brilliant” food prepared by chefs Klare Owen and Arthur Chant.

The Great Oak is up against 269 Vegan in Perth, Boho Utopia in Manchester, Jöro Vegan Eatery from Birkenhead, Edinburgh’s Holy Cow, Marwick’s Vegan Kitchen in Dundee, Grumpy Panda’s Slice Shop & Deli based in Gateshead, Ahimsa the Vegan Cafe near London, Wild Food Cafe in London and Karma Kitchen Cafe in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The black-tie event will take place on Monday, February 24, at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. Top restaurants, takeaways, bistros and suppliers from across the UK will gather to celebrate those who shone brightly in 2019.