Nooch serves up a Veganuary feast

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Nooch Bar and Kitchen only opened on 7th December 2022. But this accessible, dog-friendly, plant-based eatery has already become a community hub in Stirling, Scotland.

With more people creating healthy habits for the year ahead and opting for plant-based diets, Nooch is in a great position to enjoy growth as demand for vegan food continues to rise.

Founder James Leask has gained considerable hospitality experience, both in the UK and abroad, having most recently worked in an award-winning Glasgow restaurant.

He 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 the funds into his account before the end of that month.

James said:

"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.”

James borrowed £8,000 from the Government-backed Start Up Loans scheme, and was guided through the process by David Brewis (pictured below), a Senior Business Advisor at Transmit Startups. The money was used to cover the initial setup costs, including purchasing new kitchen equipment.

Senior Business Advisor, David Brewis, said:

"It's always great to see people with hospitality experience and a passion for food set up a business like this on their own.

Start Up Loans makes it possible for people to transition from a sector where they're not always valued or recognised for their contributions, into self-employment, where they can continue serving their community and enjoy more rewards for themselves as well."

In order to complete his Start Up Loan application, James visited What You Need To Apply and downloaded the following documents:

As well as nourishing food, James and his partner Chloe Davidson are offering their community a way to reduce their impact on the environment - with plant-based alternatives representing a practical way to lower individual carbon footprints.

The café serves delicious locally sourced plant-based dishes, freshly ground coffee, sandwiches and baked goods plus a small selection of alcoholic drinks. 

Nooch also offers quiz nights, live music and gift vouchers.

Visit the Nooch website.

You can follow Nooch on Instagram.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy Knight
Amy Knight
Amy is a content writer specialising in entrepreneurship and finance. She has written many blogs for Transmit and for Smarta, as well as contributing to our digital communications strategy. Amy is the founder of Dottem & Crossem, a communications agency based in Buckinghamshire, and is the author of the 2021 children’s book ‘There’s Two Of Us Now’.

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