A couple with a wealth of experience in the catering industry have opened a new vegetarian cafe and event space in Bristol.
Chloe Hunt and Paul Lusmore have taken over Amba House in Totterdown, which previously housed the Thali Cafe, and are serving hearty vegetarian grub for customers to collect.
When restrictions are eased, Sundial Kitchen will operate as a restaurant downstairs with space for around 40 diners and will host a wide range of events including live music, film nights and wedding parties upstairs.
Sundial's takeaway menu includes brunch dishes such as the vast 'Sundial breakfast' (£9.50), alongside lunch options such as fresh ravioli (£8.50) and Asian broth with shiitake mushroom, rice noodles and vegetables for £7.
Visitors can also find a range of delicious snacks, cakes and top notch coffee on offer, as well as essential items for their cupboards including milk, eggs and flour, with a focus on organic, zero-waste products.
Chloe has worked in the catering sector in London and Bristol for 10 years, while Paul has worked in the kitchens of some top Bristol restaurants including Bar Buvette and Bell's Diner.
"It's going really well so far and we've received some lovely feedback for our food," said Chloe, 31, who previously ran a catering company of the same name as her new cafe from the site behind Bristol Beer Factory's taproom in North Street, which is reopening as the Pony & Trap's new restaurant.
"Operating as a takeaway before we can open fully is a great way of meeting local customers, which we've really enjoyed doing so far.
"Since the closure of Banco Lounge there hasn't been a huge amount of choice in this area for food and drink, so we're really pleased to fill that void and look forward to meeting more customers."
While hospitality venues can welcome al fresco diners from April 12 as part of the Government's Covid-19 roadmap, Sundial Kitchen has no provision for outdoor seating and so will continue operating as a takeaway until at least May 17, when indoor hospitality can resume.
