The ‘Veganuary’ campaign to encourage people to try vegan in January is in its fifth year and more than 150,000 people are expected to try vegan next month.

Last year, there were 60,000 registered participants from 172 countries, and one of them was Isleworth resident, Amy Collier.

She said: “I have been vegetarian since I was 11 years old but as an adult I struggled to go fully vegan, even though I knew it was the right thing to do.

“It was only when I was breastfeeding that I felt more strongly than ever that dairy milk is not ours to take, and nor are eggs or honey. When Veganuary came around, I decided it was the right time to commit to it."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Amy hasn’t looked back, and she has found that the food is pretty good.

As she approaches her first ‘veganniversary’ she is sharing her favourite local restaurants so that others thinking about taking part in Veganuary will have some handy insider tips.

1. The Retreat Kitchen, Richmond.

Amy said: "All of the food here is amazing and vegan. I absolutely love the salad plate with the quiche of the day. The salad changes daily so you can visit often and never get bored. They also offer a vegan afternoon tea."

2. Franco Manca, Richmond.

Amy said: "Delicious vegan cheeseless pizza. My tip: order the number 1 and top it with all the seasonal vegetables they have. It has a gorgeous soft sourdough base."

3. Atithi, Twickenham.

Amy said: "An Indian restaurant where they happily make all of their vegetable dishes vegan. This is the best Indian food I have ever had. I can highly recommend the Baigan Bharta and the Saag."

4. Hei Hing, Isleworth.

Amy said: "A noodle bar with clear vegetarian options which you can request to be made vegan. I love the vegan yaki udon."

Claire Hendon, co-owner of The Retreat Kitchen, said: “If you are going to give Veganuary a try this year our best tip is to plan ahead and find some vegan recipes that inspire you.

“Try and not to get hung up on replacements for meat or dairy. Just cook more vegetables!”

“We have benefited from increased energy levels, weight loss and mental clarity.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

“We feel lighter and happier in ourselves and want to encourage people who think they wouldn’t be able to change their diet to come and see us at The Retreat Kitchen and let us help you take the first steps towards a vegan diet.”

Claire and her business partner Maggie Nuttall have some tricks up their sleeves for the New Year too.

Claire added: “We are always trying new dishes as we want to continue to impress our customers with our new found creativity in vegan cooking.