First vegan and vegetarian cafe opens in South Shields

A new business is hoping to take root in the community as the first vegetarian and vegan cafe in South Tyneside.
Roots Cafe owner Chay Hobson with Kate Mann, in the new vegan cafe on Westoe Road, South Shields.Roots Cafe owner Chay Hobson with Kate Mann, in the new vegan cafe on Westoe Road, South Shields.
Roots Cafe owner Chay Hobson with Kate Mann, in the new vegan cafe on Westoe Road, South Shields.

Roots Cafe, in Westoe Road, South Shields, opened its doors last week and has been flooded with customers.

Owner Chay Hobson decided to launch the venture to give people a chance to dine on more natural treats.

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He said: “I wanted to give people options instead of another cafe that serves pasties and sausage rolls.

“It’s called Roots Cafe because the food is stripped back down to its roots - none of it is processed.

“Everything served is made by me. The only thing we buy in are the breadbuns.”

Chay, who previously ran a cafe in the Scottish Borders 16 years ago, says he’s been delighted by the success of his business at this early stage.

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Already the cafe’s Facebook page has more than 1,000 supporters.

He said: “I have been pleasantly surprised at how it’s taken off.

“Its not just vegans and vegetarians coming in, there’s a real mixture of people.

“I believe we are the first cafe that only serves vegan and veggie friendly food in South Tyneside.”

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While the cafe sells snacks, such as mango cookies, it also serves up more heartier dishes too like veggie burgers

Chay also serves a number of dairy-free products which are suitable for those with intolerances.

In the future, Chay is hoping to extend the cafe’s opening to one late night during the week and also weekends.

They will have a takeaway menu.