Shops / St Werburghs
New greengrocers opens in St Werburgh’s
The people of St Werburgh’s have warmly welcomed their new greengrocers.
Tom Genge and Martin Ballu bring to Mina Road a refreshing space fulfilling all your fruit, veg and essential needs.
Located in the buzzing and vibrant neighbourhood, the co- owners of Chaya Veggies focused on the quality of their produce and simplicity of the shop’s design when creating their space.
is needed now More than ever
French-born Martin, 29, an electrical engineer, designed and built the interior mainly in his workshop on Gloucester Road.
The wood used is from the Bristol Wood Recycling Project, a initiative based in St Philip’s that recycles wood and transforms wood waste into assets.
Chaya Veggies’ sustainable ethos is exemplified by supporting local suppliers such as BWRP, as well as local gardeners and florists to stock vegetables and flowers.
Chaya Veggies co-founder Martin on the first day of the shop’s opening – photo: Harry Lloyd Evans
Chaya Veggies is accessible to all, with a friendly Jack Russel behind the counter from time to time.
From scratch, Tom and Martin have made and created each part of the shop with their own hands.
Before the pandemic, they were making festivals together. Then, one drunken evening (when the best things happen, right?) discussing the world’s current situation, the pair came up with this new venture and the community response so far has been overwhelming
This new business is a taste of the organic goodness that can inspire you to get cooking some beautiful food at home.
On New Year’s Eve the shop speaker was put outside to play the sound of reggae to passers-by. Let’s hope that the shop continues to thrive.
Next door to The Cauldron, the premises now occupied by Chaya Veggies on the corner of Mina Road and James Street have previously been a butchers and furniture shop – photo: Harry Lloyd Evans
Main photo: Harry Lloyd Evans
Read more: New greengrocers aims to be at the heart of its community
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