Alkaline Kitchen, which is the brainchild of owners Anna Halbert and Luke Dobbing is the culmination of this enterprising couple’s passion for wholesome plant-based food.
Drawing inspiration from their travels to other vegan cafes around the world they have developed their unique menu which is 100% vegan and also offers oil free, soy free, gluten free and preservative free options.
The cafe had initially planned to open in Yarm, but delay’s with a planning application for change of use to the premises meant the opening stalled. Not deterred and inspired by all of the regeneration happening in Middlesbrough Anna and Luke identified Albert North as the perfect alternative location.
Anna said: “As vegan’s ourselves, we found that we had to travel further afield to places like Newcastle and York to experience a wider choice of vegan eateries.
“With the increasing popularity of a vegan diet, we identified a gap in the market locally and took the opportunity to create a business that appeals to food conscious individuals.
‘Whether customers are vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or merely being more health conscious, our menu will offer a wide range of items and we are firm believers in full transparency when it comes to ingredients, as it allows us and our customers to identify the nutritional values of our meals and our strapline “keep it kind” underpins all of this.”
The menu will include lighter meals such as a salad bar (including falafel, chickpeas, spinach and kale), soups and sandwiches, to traditional favourites such as pizza, quiche, bean burger and curries. An array of sweet treats such as cookie dough, cakes, cheesecakes and raw snack balls will also be available alongside a variety of juices and smoothies. The cafe’s interior will reflect the owners desire to create a city vibe.
With plans to open six days a week, including later opening hours on a Friday & Saturday, the cafe has already recruited a part-time member of staff and are exploring the potential of hiring an apprentice early next year.
“When we visited Albert North we were inspired by the vision Jomast and Middlesbrough Council have for this part of town.
“We especially liked the eclectic buildings but the fact it’s a key thoroughfare between the railway station, town centre and Teesside University as well as it’s proximity to Middlesbrough College and the Boho Zone was a massive tick in the box” added Luke.
Albert North is home to some of Middlesbrough’s most iconic buildings. Work is ongoing with many of the spaces being renovated to expose the industrial heritage of Teesside. With elegant exteriors and spacious interiors, it offers highly desirable office space to suit any business wanting a central location. Additional units suitable for food and beverage operators are also available.
“We’re delighted to welcome this innovative new cafe to Albert North, we aim to bring together a variety of businesses that complement each other into one exciting business community, and Alkaline Kitchen will be a perfect addition” said Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast.
Anna added, “This is our second attempt at obtaining commercial premises, and this time Jomast have made it so much easier, they’ve been extremely helpful throughout the process and have always been on hand to assist and answer any questions we have.”
Alkaline Kitchen is set to open early January and opening hours will be Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 6.30pm, Friday – Saturday 11am – 9pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Businesses relocating to Albert North are able to take advantage of an incentive scheme which includes perks such as high-speed broadband, rent and rate incentives, free public health initiatives for all staff and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts. Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Jomast directly on 01642 666 936 for more details.
