When Jo was made redundant from her sustainability education role in 2019, she finally took the leap on an idea she’d carried for years – to inspire people to enjoy vegetables in a whole new light. After completing a vegan cooking diploma, she began hosting intimate pop-up supper clubs in her Stamford home, serving a mystery plant-based menu around her kitchen table. The feedback was instant and glowing.
With the arrival of Covid, Jo pivoted quickly, offering hot plant-based takeaways every Friday and Saturday delivered by electric vehicle across Stamford and nearby villages. Customers loved the creativity and flavour, and her following grew entirely through social media and word of mouth. All this while balancing part-time work with a local environmental charity and helping run the kitchen at Second Helpings.
By late 2020, the demand was clear. Jo expanded into chilled meals for a zero-waste store, catered a yoga retreat and ran a pop-up kitchen at The King’s Head. Her Christmas freezer menu became a huge hit, with over 200 dishes delivered in one day.
“Once I started, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt magical, welcoming and full of flavour.”
Soon after, Jo and her husband Nick invested everything into opening The Blonde Beet in a historic Stamford building. A warm, creative and community-focused space was born – one that continues to showcase sustainable plant-based food at its very best.
Four years on, The Blonde Beet has grown into far more than a café. It’s a weekday brunch spot, a Friday night bistro, a hub for workshops and community groups, and a go-to caterer for weddings, retreats and private events. Through it all, Jo has kept sustainability at the heart of every decision – from composting and returnable cups to sourcing seasonal produce locally.
“The Blonde Beet has grown far beyond a café. It’s become a community.”
The Blonde Beet is now a beloved part of Stamford’s food scene, proving that creativity, passion and purpose can transform a simple idea into something extraordinary.
Find out more at https://www.blondebeet.co.uk
