Hemingway’s DB Wins First Ever PETA Compassionate Business Award 2018 in Asia

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Asia has awarded Hong Kong’s very own Hemingway’s DB the first Compassionate Business Award, in a first for a business in the region. A prestigious accolade aimed at highlighting thoughtful businesses and their commitment to align with the values of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, whose motto reads in part, that “animals are not ours to eat,” the meat-free oceanfront bar and grill is a champion of plant-based comfort food.

Recognizing Hemingway’s compassionate decision to drop meat and replace their menu with delicious and innovative vegan options, Jason Baker, PETA Asia’s Vice President of International Campaigns flew to our fair city last week and personally awarded owner Gary Stokes and his staff. “So proud of the incredible team at Hemingway’s who have taken the vegan transformation and really made it happen,” owner Gary Stokes said in a statement. “The decision was a gamble, but ‘Who Dares Wins,'” reiterates the charismatic owner, plastic-free activist and Asia Director for conservation society Sea Shepherd (where activists eat vegan meals prepared onboard).

Revitalizing its entire menu at the beginning of the year, the Discovery Bay haunt transitioned its vegetarian offerings and will let go of the last six remaining dairy items to become a full vegan establishment by the end of this month. In addition, the bar is currently undergoing an overhaul that will only offer vegetarian or vegan beverages very shortly.

Serving plant-based comfort foods and party snacks like signature nachos, homemade chili, loaded potato skins, and an array of vegan pizzas, all sauces, creams, salsas and curries are made in-house daily with a weekly rotating specials menu, all dishes are conjured by their in-house vegan chef.

Former recipients of PETA’s Compassionate Business Award include shoe and eyewear company TOMS, cruise line Oceania Cruises, and popular personal lubricant company Good Clean Love so this is a big win for an Asian company and further illustrates the rise of plant-based eating in the region.

“We would lastly like to thank everyone who has supported Hemingway’s since January when we made the change, none of this would be even possible without your support and we are forever grateful and look forward to continue serving up tasty vegan comfort food to one and all,” enthuses Stokes. We are behind you Gary!

More here to read about Gary Stokes’ vegan journey that ties in with the history of Hemingway’s DB.

All images courtesy of Hemingway’s DB.