James is "normalising" plant-based cooking at Nooch
HOME / / James is "normalising" plant-based cooking at Nooch
After 7 years of "thinking about it", a Start Up Loan helped James Leask open his own vegan bar & kitchen.
James is the founder of Nooch, in Stirling, Scotland, where he's applying years of hospitality experience to serving delicious plant-based food.
James tells us how he got here...
"I started out as a barista at university in Stirling. I've had various front-of-house roles in Scotland, from server to manager, as well as working in hotels and restaurants in ski resorts in Austria, France and Canada. I also worked for a street food company, cooking at big events such as TRNSMT music festival."
"For the last 6 or 7 years I have been thinking about running my own place."
Over time, the idea became clearer that a vegan bar and kitchen was the route I wanted to go down.
I believe there is huge growth still to be seen in plant-based cooking, and I want to normalise it in a space that is inclusive for everyone.
James applied for a Start Up Loan and then began hunting for the perfect premises from which to run a vegan bar and kitchen of his own.
In October 2022 James found what he was looking for, and was able to draw down £8,000 into his account before the end of that month.
The loan money was primarily spent on kitchen equipment: things like a new dishwasher, basic utensils as well as crockery and glassware. It also helped furnish the restaurant with a variety of reclaimed and upcycled furniture.
I wanted Nooch to be a place where anybody and everybody can gather to enjoy wholesome, seasonal food in an inclusive and relaxing space. Where they can share small plates with a glass of wine, a beer or freshly roasted coffee. Simple, seasonal, and sincere.
I completed the Smarta Business Fundamentals course, and it was a huge benefit to a prospective new business owner.
The course covers a broad range of subjects which helped a great deal in the initial stages of set up.
Has James' story got you thinking?
Transmit Startups can take your business from a dream to a reality, with a Start Up Loan and support to get started. Find out how we can help on our Start Up Loans page.
"We’re delighted to be the 2000th loan recipients!"