What’s Pod To Like?

The Pod Café is a collaboration with Coventry City Council. It opened ten years ago and decided to serve plant-based food only six years ago.

Credit: Holly Gasson

The café is a secondary mental health service, working with Food Union and Time Union. The Pod throws regular events to create a warm and welcoming space for everyone.

Aiming to improve mental health, the café is open three days a week and throws events during the week.

Located on Far Gosford Street, the café has been noted as a go-to Midlands destination for plant-based food by both The Telegraph and Muddy Stilettos.

The menu changes every week, allowing for seasonal veg to be used. In the summer, the café aims for half of the vegetables they include to be grown by the Food Union at their CV5 allotment site.

The cosy environment with plants dotted around and brightly coloured furniture, combined with the friendly staff, creates a comfortable atmosphere.

A main course, dessert and a drink costs £9, with mains priced individually at £5. Whilst members of the Food Union and Time Union pay £7.50 for the set meal.

The Pod Café doesn’t take bookings and because its opening times are so limited - it’s only open 12-3 Tuesday through to Thursday, so it does get busy quickly!

When I visited, I tried the Vietnamese-filled rice flour pancake, served with sriracha mayo, and noodle salad with cashews.

Typically I’m not a fan of coriander but this may have converted me. The softness of the pancake with the crunch of the salad was amazing.

Credit: Holly Gasson

I’d definitely recommend The Pod Café to everyone, not just people who eat plant-based food, it’s affordable and tasty so great for students too!