Saorsa 1875
Perthshire
This 19th-century Victorian country pile might not initially strike you as one of the UK’s most eco-forward stays, but it is, in fact, the UK’s first fully vegan hotel. The 11-room boutique lodge was founded by the McLaren-Stewart family as an extension of their own vegan lifestyle, with the aim of debunking the misconception that foregoing animal products means sacrificing style. The furnishings and staff uniforms are all cruelty-free, while the inventive menu is entirely plant- based (think watermelon sashimi and hay-infused panna cotta). Italian head chef Luca Sordi plans meals meticulously to avoid waste, with an emphasis on provenance and seasonal Scottish ingredients from the wilderness, the hotel’s own vegetable garden and local suppliers.
The individually designed guest rooms feature beds dressed with organic linen and silk and down-free pillows and duvets, while bathrooms are stocked with ethically sourced toiletries. Even the electricity is vegan-certified, courtesy of Ecotricity (the only energy company in the country with such a label).