A shop and restaurant in Bristol has become the first UK stockist of a fried chicken substitute that vegans are raving about.
Vx on East Street has introduced some of VFC's most popular products to its shelves today (February 12), having recently completed a deal with the fast-growing company.
VFC is the brainchild of Veganuary founder Matthew Glover, who joined forces with renowned chef Adam Lyons to set the company up.
Despite only launching the brand for delivery in December, the pair have already met with two retail giants and discussed plans with distributors in more than a dozen countries, as well as investors keen to back them.
But Vx, which was named the third best vegan restaurant in the world in February 2020, managed to fend off stiff competition to become the first bricks and mortar stockist.
Amandine Tchou, owner of the Bedminster business, said: "When I heard about VFC on social media about a month ago I immediately thought it would be a great addition to our shelves.
"This is exactly the kind of items we want to support - delicious meat alternatives made by a vegan independent company - and it is exactly what our customers expect to find here at Vx. In fact, they are already asking for it.
"For us, the best way to encourage people to adopt a cruelty-free way of life that eliminates the abuse and exploitation of our animal chums, is to offer them a seriously delicious alternative.
"VFC products match our philosophy perfectly."
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VFC has taken social media by storm since launching in December, growing its Instagram following from 0 to 13,000 in just six weeks.
As an activist brand, its aim is to end the factory farming of chickens. It believes its product is "good enough not just to please vegans, but to win over meat eaters too".
Stewart McGuckin, VFC’s director of sales, said: "We are delighted that Vx is our first stockist of VFC and are excited to work with Amandine on our mission of delivering quality, great-tasting food that doesn’t cost a wing and a leg.
"Our aim is to inspire the people of Bristol to join us on our sit-down protest. Bristol will be the first place of many where we bring our positive rebellion."
VFC's Original Fillets and Spicy Bites will be available in Vx from today (February 12), and can also be bought on VFC's website.
