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A vegan food business has started hosting regular supper clubs in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex after demand for vegan food soars in recent years.
This Cashew Cheese and Oven-dried Tomato Salad was a tarter at a previous Supper Club. Photo: Up Beet.
Up Beet Food Company hosted their first pop-up supper club at Tom Foolery Coffee Company on Shoreham High Street in February. Over 30 people booked for the evening, far exceeding expectations. Following the success, the supper clubs are now taking place every two months, with different themed menus specially created for each event.
The aim is to show that plant based food can be fun and exciting, and all are encouraged to give it a try, vegans, veggies or omnivores interested in trying something different.
Jenna Durdle, who runs Up Beet Food Company said:
“Although Shoreham is only 8 or so miles along the coast from Brighton, which has a well-established vegan food community, I wasn’t 100% sure how people would take to it. Shoreham doesn’t have any completely vegetarian or vegan restaurants or cafes, so I was concerned people wouldn’t be interested. But the response has been fantastic. People living in the area who are vegan are relieved to see there is finally something for them – plus, a lot of people who aren’t vegan are curious to come and try something different.”
Jo Lee and Jenna Durdle in kitchen at Tom Foolery. Photo: Shiv Meaker
According to The Vegan Society, the number of people in Britain adopting a vegan lifestyle has more than trebled since 2016, with an estimated half a million people cutting out animal products altogether.
Owners of Tom Foolery, Bob and Vanessa McCulloch, are only too keen to transform their coffee shop into a vegan restaurant for the evening. Vanessa said:
“We often eat vegetarian and vegan food at home, and our menu caters for a range of dietary needs including vegetarians and vegans. We enjoy putting together a vegan wine list to match the menu that Jenna creates and we also add a special cocktail to the menu which always goes down well with guests!”
Up Beet Food Company’s next supper club will take place at Tom Foolery Coffee Company in Shoreham on Thursday 3rd August, with a four-course set menu inspired by Italian and Spanish flavours. Guests can choose from joining a sharing table or booking a table. For booking details and the menu, visit www.upbeetfood.co.uk or contact Jenna on 07939 889553.
