Retired fighter Joe Ainscough has opened a vegan, organic, pop-up food stall and restaurant concept in Liverpool.
The super-middleweight boxer, who’s promising career was ended by a near-fatal stabbing in 2009, learnt about veganism through friend and boxer Tony Moran.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “”By talking to Tony and other vegans I began to think a lot about it and became more and more uncomfortable with the inhumane way animals are treated.
“I read a lot about the food supply process and organic and vegan lifestyles.
“Gradually I made the switch myself when I realised harming other living creatures for food just didn’t sit right with me.
“It’s not just meat either. Looking at the dairy industry I discovered about the way cows are treated, the antibiotics pumped into their diet which end up in dairy milk. It was a real eye opener.
“It might sound unusual for someone who was a boxer but I’ve always tried to avoid harming other living things. Now I’m living that in every way.
“The great thing is that I’ve never felt better. I feel fitter physically and mentally, more at peace, than before and only wish I’d found out about veganism earlier.”
His pop-up, called Plvnt, serves food cooked by Venezuelan chef Chris Pulido.
Joe said: “ “It’s gone really well so far. Veganism is spreading and people are realising you can eat that way and be really healthy whether you’re a sports person or whatever you do.
“Everyone is welcome. People who still eat meat can come and have a look and see what they think.”
Joe is looking for a permanent site for Plvnt.