A LITTLE taste of America is coming to Barry, with an American-style diner due to open next week.
The new vegan and gluten-free diner is independently owned and run by owner Jen Haste, who has been vegan for 23 years and is also celiac.
Monty and Vito’s Diner at 48 Thompson Street will open its doors on Saturday, October 1.
Previously the diner was located at the back of The Independents Emporium on 114-116 Holton Road.
Jen outside her soon to be Diner picture: Jen Haste
Jen Haste outside her soon to be diner. Picture: Jen Haste
Ms Haste said: “It’s nice to know I can supply people with food where they can think what do I want rather than what’s safe to eat.
“This will be a safe haven for people as they don’t have to scrutinise the backs of packaging.
“Some people for example can’t have soya so I especially make stuff for them.”
“I bake everything from scratch in the morning at home and then take the produce in with me.
“There will be a Hallowe’en and Christmas menu with winter and autumnal spices and fresh pancakes, waffles and milkshakes made to order.
A sample of Jen’s American inspired treats picture: Jen Haste
A sample of Jen Haste’s American inspired treats. Picture: Jen Haste
“For the American holidays there will be lots of pumpkin spice, pecan pies, pistachio pies and cherry pies.
“I am going to do a vegan tuck shop, there will be a couple of podiums with vegan safe sweets and popcorn.
“My best friend’s sister-in-law is Californian, so she gives me authentic recipes and tells me where she would shop.”
The diner will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am until 5pm.
Artist Antony Smith from Newport will spray paint American icons such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bettie Page and Frank Sinatra on the walls.
A contractor is set to come in on September 26 to build a counter, designed by Ms Haste.
The diner has new hot planes, waffle iron and blenders picture: Jen Haste
The diner has new hot planes, waffle iron and blenders picture: Jen Haste
She said: “Two of the walls will be painted a pastel green, there will also be American characters and memorabilia I have picked up on my travels.
“It will be a cosy set up.
“I love the music from the 50s and 60s and the culture in particular diners.
“This feels like the right time, right location for me, right place for me and it’s all come together.
“I’m really excited to open and meet the customers.
“The other local traders and I all work together, we will be doing stuff for Halloween.
“There will be a Hallowe’en trail, trickle treating and gazebo for people to take pictures and at Christmas we will set up our shops in the huts down the island.”
