Telford's first vegan cafe opens in Dawley
A new vegan cafe is spicing up the food offering in Dawley by opening its doors on the town’s high street.
Spice ’N’ Soul is Telford’s first vegan food outlet which owner Katerina Vasakova has run successfully from home for the past two years.
Now she is grasping the opportunity to expand after receiving a start-up grant through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.
The business, based at 17, High Street in Dawley in a former pet shop, is creating four jobs (one full-time and three part-time) and bringing something unique to the high street to support footfall.
The new unit features a plant-based cafe, a bakery and new community spaces which aren’t currently available locally.
Spice ’N’ Soul will provide wholesome food using natural organic ingredients and a plant-based menu which captures a range of global cultures, including Czech, English, and Caribbean dishes – offering a unique ‘vegan heaven’ experience.
As well as being a positive addition to the high street, Spice ’N’ Soul will complement another new sports training and sports massage business which is set to open on the high street shortly as well as the new Captain Matthew Webb Swimming and Fitness Centre.
Owner Katerina said:
“As my business has developed I’ve outgrown working from home and wanted to expand and create a hub for vegans in Telford.
“There is a huge demand for a cafe in this location which will cater strictly for vegans and customers can rest assured, no meat or animal products will be served from the premises. Spice 'N' Soul will be the only kind to have an exclusive vegan tea room.
“I’m really excited to be here and hope that customers locally and those from far-and-wide will come and experience what we are offering.
“I’m very grateful to Telford & Wrekin Council for making this possible through the Pride in Our High Street funding.”
The number of vegans in the UK grew from approximately 150,000 in 2006 to 2.5 million in 2024, and this year the figure is expected to reach 3.5 million.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport and Digital Connectivity, said:
“We are thrilled to see Spice ‘N’ Soul open in Dawley which brings a unique cafe to the town’s high street and Telford.
“Katerina has a solid business model but had outgrown her home and needs to expand to a specialist cafe so this unit fits the bill perfectly.
“We’re pleased to be supporting this business through our Pride in Our High Street programme and believe this business will be a fantastic addition to Dawley. We wish Katerina all the best with her business in her new base.”