PREPARATIONS are well underway to open Llandudno's first 'plant powered cafe' which will also be dog friendly.

Sara Turner, who owns Green Island Bistro on Rhuddlan High Street, is aiming to open Pip & Oat in February.

She is moving into a unit on Clonmel Street, previously Precious Memories Photography.

North Wales Pioneer: The new kitchen is in!The new kitchen is in! (Image: Pip & Oat / Facebook)
Speaking ahead of the new venture, Sara said: "Preparations are going well. We've had to fit all new equipment in the property such as plumbing and kitchen so this has taken the most time.

"We have entered the final stage of adding furniture, contacting suppliers and we are stocking up ready to open in the next week. We will be making an announcement shortly to confirm opening date and times.

"We are all very excited to open and meet new customers.

"We will be serving a range of light bites, hot food, cakes, snacks, coffees, teas and cold drinks. All our food and drink will be plant based and nut free, with gluten free options too and the cafe will also be dog friendly."

North Wales Pioneer: Furniture is arrivingFurniture is arriving (Image: Pip & Oat / Facebook)
The name Pip and Oat has been inspired by Sara's daughter Lucy. Lucy has been 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."

RELATED STORIES

Sara added: "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.

North Wales Pioneer: Picking up the keys!Picking up the keys! (Image: Pip & Oat / Facebook)
"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."

In 2023, 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 and scooped the prize for the second consecutive year.

Green Island Bistro is closed until Wednesday, February 7. It will open for book club on Thursday.