About Us
Our
Story
No.Twelve is more than just a restaurant; it’s a labour of love built by husband-and-wife duo Ritchie and Lauren Stainsby. The venture began in 2017 as a humble 16-seater café, where the couple shared their vision of a plant-based future with a small, dedicated group of customers. Their passion and drive soon outgrew the café, and in 2019, they took the plunge and expanded No.Twelve into a larger restaurant, only months before the challenges of the lockdown hit.
Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Ritchie and Lauren worked tirelessly to imagine and create a business that has since blossomed into one of the leading plant-based restaurants in the UK. Ritchie, as head chef, brings his creativity and technical mastery to the kitchen, crafting dishes that push the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Meanwhile, Lauren, running the front of house, ensures that every guest experiences impeccable service in a warm, welcoming environment. Together, they have shaped No.Twelve into a restaurant that is not only focused on food but also on the community and sustainability.
About
Chef Ritchie Stainsby
Ritchie Stainsby is a self-taught chef whose passion for plant-based cuisine has redefined vegan dining in the UK. With no formal culinary training, Ritchie honed his skills through relentless experimentation, guided by a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical food practices. His choice to focus on plant-based cuisine stems from a desire to create a positive environmental impact while showing that plant-based food can be indulgent, sophisticated, and exciting.
Driven by his mission to challenge perceptions of vegan food, Ritchie’s creations combine bold flavours, intricate techniques, and locally sourced ingredients. His goal is to make plant-based dining not just accessible, but exceptional.
As head chef at No.Twelve, Ritchie continues to push the boundaries of what plant-based cuisine can offer. His commitment to sustainability and creativity has earned the restaurant four consecutive Good Food Awards UK from 2022 to 2025, cementing its place as a leader in the plant-based dining scene.
