THE owners of Hansa Wholefood have opened a dedicated health food restaurant above the shop in Fountain Street. A large range of food and drinks offering special health benefits are on sale at Mabel’s.

‘Having had the health food shop for three years and sharing a passionate belief in healthy eating, we realised that there were many people out there with the same ethos who were struggling to find a place to cater for them,’ said Tom Roffey, joint owner with Jane Molloy.

‘People are becoming more aware of the importance of having a healthy diet and that fits in with the remit of our shop so it was a natural follow-on,’ he said.

‘The upstairs became available and we were very keen to take it on, although it has taken about 18 months and a huge amount of hard work.

‘It has a fresh, modern feel combined with homely comfort. A broad spectrum of foods is available and each dish has some health benefits in mind.’

A bar will sell various juices and vitamin-packed smoothies as well as protein drinks.

There will be dishes for vegetarians and vegans and for people with more specific dietary needs, such as those requiring gluten or dairy-free foods. Organic and Fair Trade produce is used where possible.

There is also a range of oily fish dishes, with all the food being naturally low-fat, low-salt and artificial preservative-free, with hot food, as well as salads.

‘People are now very aware of the benefits of oily fish for the brain, heart and joints,’ said Mr Roffey.

‘And where people are concerned about issues of animal welfare, or the amount of antibiotics used in some meats, we offer organic meat.’

Mabel’s is named after Mrs Molloy’s mother who understood the importance of a healthy diet after a career in nursing during which she witnessed first-hand the adverse effect that processed foods and those high in sugar, salt and fat can have on a person’s health.

‘My mother’s views on healthy eating have had a strong influence on me,’ said Mrs Molloy.

‘I don’t think people understand just how much damage they are doing to their body with a diet of convenience or junk food that has no real nutritional value.

‘What people need to know is that healthy food does not have to be boring or bland. The food served at Mabel’s is fresh and natural and prepared in a way in which all the vitamins and, more importantly, the taste are retained.’

The bar and servery opened yesterday and is open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday and also on Saturdays from next month.

With a range of sandwiches and salads, a takeaway service is available at lunchtimes. Mr Roffey said that they might consider opening for breakfasts, depending on demand.