THE OWNER of an award-winning vegan bistro is preparing to open a new 'plant powered cafe' in Llandudno.
Sara Turner, who owns Green Island Bistro on Rhuddlan High Street, is aiming to open Pip & Oat in February 2024. She will be moving into a unit on Clonmel Street [currently a photography studio]. Her lease will begin in January.
Pip & Oat is set to have a relaxed cafe vibe and will feature locally sourced food and drink. It will also be dog friendly.
The menu will feature delicious cakes, sandwiches, pancakes and kebabs.
Sara said: "Llandudno has been crying out for a vegan cafe for a long time. As a vegan myself, I get frustrated by the lack of options on offer especially in such a large and well visited town.
"I have been overwhelmed by the support we have had in Rhuddlan at Green Island Bistro and how successful we have been there.
"I am looking forward to a new challenge and hope we are as well received in Llandudno as we have been in Rhuddlan."
The name Pip and Oat has been inspired by Sara's daughter Lucy; Lucy is heavily involved in the design and planning of the business and was nicknamed 'pip' when Sara was pregnant with her.
Sara said: "As the business will be mainly run by family, we felt it fitting to use this name and we matched it with 'oat' as a nod to the fact that all our food and drink will be plant based.
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"Our lease will begin in January but as the venue is currently not a cafe, we will be totally kitting it out but we are hoping to open February time. We have lots to plan including menus, suppliers, new staff and also designing the cafe from scratch.
"The new venue is in a fantastic position, close to the centre and also the beach. It will offer both inside and outdoor seating.
"There are currently no vegan/plant based venues in Llandudno. Many people want to go somewhere where they can eat anything, whether they are vegan, plant based or have allergies. It’s important for people to feel safe, the cafe will also be nut free which I know will be reassuring for many people with nut allergies.
"I'd like to thank all our amazing customers that continue to support us and I look forward to meeting new and existing customer in our new venue."
Earlier this year, Green Island Bistro won Café / Bistro of the Year Overall Winner at the Food Awards Wales in Cardiff. The restaurant, which opened during the Covid-19 pandemic, also defended its title of best café/bistro in North Wales, scooping the prize for the second consecutive year.
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