VBites

Adjectives like “fun”, “sexy” and “vibrant” are not normally associated with vegan food.

But that is precisely what head chef Sean Paul Redding wants his food to be at VBites, the new vegan cafe in Hove Lagoon, which was opened by owner Heather Mills on Saturday.

“I’ve been a vegetarian chef for 15 years,” he says.

“I always wanted to make vegetarian and vegan food more attractive to everybody.”

Formerly at London’s Manna, in Primrose Hill, Sean Paul has cooked for the likes of Coldplay, Radiohead, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Heather herself.

“Some people eat vegan food because of their religion,” he says.

“Or it may be because of dietary requirements, if you are intolerant to wheat, eggs, flour or dairy.

There are so many different reasons why people adopt a vegan diet.

A lot of Asian food doesn’t have any dairy in it, particularly in Japan and China.”

“We are trying to make exciting food,” Sean Paul says.

“When people think of vegan food they think of things being bland and stodgy.

In reality there are a lot of products that work really well.

Meat substitutes have improved greatly.

“We have added a twist to the things they do at places like the Ivy, and ‘jooshed’ them up.”

Heather has personally approved all the dishes and has insisted that prices are kept at a reasonable level.

“Heather has some very clear notions of what she wants,” says Sean Paul.

“The design of the cafe was all hers.

From when I first saw the building and heard about her plans, and seeing it now I am amazed because she got every detail.”

The main cafe area has a very contemporary look, with a curving bar, mirrored walls and a tasteful orange and brown banquette running the length of one wall.

Next door is the cake bar, which has its own travelator similar to that found in sushi bars moving the cakes around the space.

The area turns into a tapas bar in the evenings.

Outside is an extensive eating area which overlooks Hove Lagoon.

“I love the vibe in here at night,” says Sean Paul.

“It’s beautiful during the day, but it’s a great place to have drinks and tapas in the evening.”

VBites is already proving a favourite with young families, with a special menu of healthy vegan dishes for youngsters.

There are also sweet treats on offer including the cafe’s take on the Mr Whippy, called the Mrs Swirly.

The cafe which opened on Saturday is by no means the finished product.

There are plans to increase the amount of home-grown organic food from Heather’s own land.

Sean Paul is particularly proud of feeding Hove DJ legend Norman Cook his first vegan meal this weekend.

“He had a spaghetti bolognese and said he couldn’t believe that it was as good as it was,” he says.

“Hopefully he will pop in here again.”

Sample the menu

Breakfast menu (until 11.30am)
Muesli and soya yoghurt: £1.95
Fruit smoothie: £2.10
Scrambled tofu with mushrooms, onions and balsamic vinegar on brown bread: £4.25
English breakfast £5.50
Lite bites
Soup of the day: £2.10
Chicken style satay skewers: £3.50
Saag paneer and rice crackers: £3.75
Main meals
Build your own pasta: £5.95
Bangers and mash with onion gravy: £6.95
Veggy, beefy or chicky burgers £4.95
Children’s menu
Fishy fingers with chips and peas or baked beans £3.95
Buddy burger and chips £3.50
Chicky nuggets with chips and peas or baked beans £3.95
Spaghetti bolognaise £3.95

Open daily 9.30am-11.30pm. Kitchen open until 9pm.