In 2017, our three Bristol cafes were the first eateries in England to gain the Organic Served Here award. In 2019, for the third consecutive year, we have achieved four stars again, demonstrating that between 75% and 95% of ingredients used are from certified organic sources.

In fact, we’re at about 93%. Those niggling last few ingredients comprise of things like some herbs, spices and hard-to-find products that are often not available organically, or are prohibitively expensive.

Organic farming means higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers. Through more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment – it means more wildlife.

2016 saw research from the British Journal of Nutrition showing significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic farming. Professor Carlo Leigert of Newcastle University described the findings as ‘overwhelming’. This was very welcome news for the organic sector. It felt right that care from the point of sowing a seed, converted to actual nutritional differences in the end product. The public agree. In 2017, amidst all the political uncertainty, organic sales saw steady growth and outperformed non-organic sales, which were meanwhile in decline. This upward trend is set to continue.

This award is unique in championing cafes’ and restaurants’ commitment to sourcing organic produce, from small to large. The aim is to help consumers easily find those businesses that stock and serve organic when they are out and about.

Organic Served Here is a boon for people looking for cafes and restaurants they can trust. Unlike all other elements of the organic supply chain, from farms and food processors to distributors, there is currently no legal requirement for restaurants and cafes to verify their organic claims.

Find out more about the award here: www.soilassociation.org/certification/food-drink/organic-served-here