A new plant-based lunchtime cafe offering a seasonal menu of globally-inspired dishes, has opened its doors to the public at Exeter Central Station.
Daily Bowl is a social enterprise concept conceived by a group of passionate individuals, brought together by husband and wife team Herman Castaneda and Annie Murdock, who saw a gap in the market for healthy, convenient but most of all, sustainable food, that supports the region’s local producers in the process.
Annie said: “The South West is filled with incredible farmers and suppliers, many of whom are practising regenerative methods, and we felt that as a new community business we could do more to support them, and in doing so, help the planet by reducing food miles and food waste. Daily Bowl is more than just another foodie outlet – instead we want to nourish our community and our land by offering a wholesome, locally-sourced seasonal menu that puts gut health front and centre. Each bowl is powered by plants, and contains six balancing flavours, all completely gluten-free. We celebrate the work and dedication of small, mostly UK-based sustainable farms.”
Annie and Herman teamed up with vegan chef Nikita Leys from Vegan-Wise to bring the menu to life. Nikita has created seasonal mouth-watering dishes from Devon produce, inspired by flavours from around the world, and with the help of Paddy Maynard, a long-time general manager from the London hospitality sector, the Daily Bowl team took shape. Joining the team as another core member, is Daphne van Run, formerly director of ESSENCE, Exeter’s Social Enterprise Network, who ensures that the financial aspects of the business are aligned with its social and environmental mission.
Alongside its welcoming space, full of plants and community-friendly tables made from upcycled scaffolding boards, the cafe offers a range of Grab & Go items such as dressings, pickles and kimchis, created by chef Lizzie Bosschaert of Envie Sustainable & Creative Catering in Topsham, alongside other Devon-based artisanal products.
The group behind Daily Bowl is only too aware of the tricky circumstances facing the UK and small businesses. In fact, the planetary and social imperatives driving this social enterprise are all about tackling exactly those circumstances.
Herman said: “We are at a point in history at which we are confronted with rising food prices due to high labour costs, higher inflation and smaller margins for farmers. Our habit of having access to all foods all year round is not sustainable and is costing our planet, our jobs, and ultimately the livelihoods of those involved. Our business aims to do things differently, and we believe that working hand-in-hand with Devon market gardeners, farmers, and fellow-foodies, we might offer a solution to the shortage crisis by putting locality at the heart of our business model.”
Other local suppliers, proud to be working with Daily Bowl, include Rull Orchard, Komunitea and Ashley Court who are providing salad greens, edible flowers and fresh vegetables.
Tara Fraser from Ashley Court explained why they were so keen to support this venture. She said: “By working together we can increase the route to market for small ethically-driven producers that use regenerative farming practices. This way we create our own mini economy, supporting and promoting each other in the process. There is a bountiful larder of incredible produce growing here, from wild garlic to heritage apples. Collaborating with Bowl is a great pleasure, to see our produce presented with skill and style is a joy. Ethical, sustainable, delicious, you can’t ask for more than that!”
Daily Bowl is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm. Find out more by visiting their website and follow them on Instagram and on Facebook.
