A VERY good friend of mine is a committed carnivore. I’ve seen her tuck into a large steak for breakfast on more than one occasion.

But on an outing to Ludlow one day, we struggled to find a pub or restaurant we could afford and had tables available for lunch.

So, “needs must when the devil drives” and we ended up in a vegetarian cafe. This suited me, as I often eat vegetarian food and abstained from eating anything with legs for 10 years in my 30s. I never felt so good.

My carnivore friend was quickly impressed by the tasty and attractive dishes available on that day, thoroughly enjoyed her meal and now even presents the occasional meat-free dish at home to her husband and family.

With National Vegetarian Week coming up this spring, anyone who is a traditional meat and two veg person could broaden their culinary horizons by trying a vegetarian dish or two.

This year’s theme is sharing food and The Vegetarian Society is encouraging people to eat meat-free meals and share them with family and friends.

Lynne Elliot, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society, said: "Sharing food brings people together, feasts and meals mark special occasions while festivals offer a variety of tastes to try.

“National Vegetarian Week is all about delicious veggie food and sharing - getting people to come together to cook and share. Whether you decide to make veggie dishes for a community group, work colleagues or friends - sharing food can make a moment.

“There's no better way to celebrate veggie food and discover how you can be kinder to animals, the planet and yourself."

People are being encouraged to share any vegetarian dish – whether it’s a cake, curry or coleslaw.

National Vegetarian Week, sponsored by Nothing But – which produces a range of freeze dried fruit and vegetable snacks, runs from May 18 – 24. For more information visit www.nationalvegetarianweek.org for ideas, tips and recipes to try, add your veggie share event and find out what's happening in the UK.

Recipe ideas to get people sharing include lemon and lime dal, pasta salad, quick kidney bean burgers, Thai mushroom soup with wontons, artichoke and asparagus paella, gorgeous gumbo stew, a chocolatey chilli, pizza, sharing salad and surprise brownies.

• The Vegetarian Society organises National Vegetarian Week (which is in its 23rd year), runs its own vegetarian cookery school and provides services to support those pursuing a veggie way of life, including the Vegetarian Society approved trademark scheme. Find out more at www.vegsoc.org