First Vegan Climbing Center Opens in UK

All-vegan climbing center Flash Climbing recently opened its doors in Midlands, England. Co-owner Richard Twilton—who has been vegan for two years—opened the center to create a cruelty-free space where climbers can connect. “We’ve put a lot of effort into making sure everything we do is vegan but we don’t make a big deal about it,” Twilton said. All equipment and apparel at the climbing center is vegan—such as ethically sourced, organic cotton T-shirts. In addition to bouldering, the center offers yoga, aerial classes, and serves coffee with a selection of plant-based milks, vegan pancakes, and cake. Stateside, vegan gym Liberation Barbell opened in Portland earlier this year to connect plant-based athletes in an environment that welcomes people of all shapes and sizes.