Verity Bowditch has revealed that she will be stepping down from her role at formerly vegan Clean Kitchen.
The Made in Chelsea star made the decision after animal products were added to the once fully plant-based menu.
She announced the news on Instagram, explaining the reasoning behind what she described as ‘one of the hardest decisions’ she’s ever had to make.
Verity founded Clean Kitchen in 2020 with YouTuber Mikey Pearce.
It offered a fully vegan menu including options like vegan burgers and shakes among other items.
But now, the business partners have revealed they will be expanding the menu with animal products following a ‘tough, tough year’.
According to Mikey, in moving away from the vegan menu, Clean Kitchen will offer a ‘much more whole food approach, catering for everyone’.
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Clean Kitchen no longer fully vegan
However, Verity said that the new changes meant she would be stepping down, as she had to ‘stand true’ to her vegan values.
Writing on Instagram, she added: “Guys… can’t believe I am even writing this. After 3 years of blood sweat tears, & a lot of vegan nuggets, I’ve made the decision to step away from the day to day running of Clean Kitchen.
“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but it had to be done due to the new direction of the brands strategy.”
She continued, adding that building Clean Kitchen ‘in a very strong market, where vegan alternatives were booming, the industry has changed creating more of a demand for whole foods’.
This, she said, means the brand had to evolve.
She continued: “The economy has also hit the hospitality sector with force, but luckily with you guys supporting us we have been one of the few vegan restaurants to keep charging on!
“With these two factors in hand, Clean has decided to pivot and add additional items to the menu which aren’t plant based. Opening up to cater for the mass market.
“I therefore have decided to let Clean continue without my involvement in the day-to-day running of the business.”
Responding to comments on social media, Bowditch confirmed that she would be standing true to her morals and no longer be financially benefiting from Clean Kitchen.
There are still many plant-based eateries to try out. Find your new favourite in our list of the best vegan restaurants in London
Featured photos courtesy of @cleankitchenuk via Instagram
