IF YOU are looking for something a little different from the usual pub lunch then Nailsworth now has the perfect place for you.

Asparagasm is the town's new all-vegan café which officially opened its doors last month.

Having heard a lot about it, I was invited along to try their unique and pioneering vegan food for myself.

With my entire family opposed to all things meaty, I’ve eaten in many vegetarian restaurants, but never full blown vegan.

So I went along with an open mind and an empty stomach.

Tucked away in a tiny and unassuming building on the corner of Market Street, Asparagasm is, I must admit, a breath of fresh air.

The café and bar is found in a small and elegant room, with warm colours and interesting decorations and ornaments lining the walls.

Hanging lanterns, ferny plants, tiny jumbled wooden tables and salad bowls filled with an explosion of colour give the room a stylish and dare I say it, hipster feeling.

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Evidently transformed into a café from someone’s front room, some of the original furnishings and design remain behind. The bar area still has the previous owner’s sink, cooker and shelves stacked with cookbooks, giving it an odd sense of homeliness.

As you might expect though, the room itself isn’t huge, with just five small tables spread throughout the space.

Despite visiting on a Wednesday afternoon for lunch, the café was almost full.

Before we ordered we were each given two small shot glasses filled with orange and green juice.

The green juice, explained manager Lauren Lovett, was made from an astounding blend of apple celery fennel cucumber kale, with the other made from carrot, orange and ginger.

This can only be described as an explosion of flavour. I was amazed such a small amount of liquid could contain that much zestiness.

As well as their own juices, milkshakes and smoothies, Asparagasm also makes its own beers, and offers a wide selection of wines, cocktails and specially sourced oriental teas.

Almost all these special drinks are made from scratch, explained Lauren. She is the brainchild behind the Asparagasm café, although the business itself was created by Kate Lewis.

Now the proud owner of the Royal Oak in Tetbury, she has entrusted Lauren, a recent marketing graduate, to run the café.

And as long-term vegan and chef-in-training herself, Lauren has also had a big hand in shaping the fascinating little menu.

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Though small, this is filled with interesting and artisan dishes, with everything from organic salads to vegan cheese, soups, hot and cold specials and amazing raw cakes.

After a quick look at the specials board, I decided to go for a vegan cheeseboard – something I’d never heard of before.

These, I was told, are all nut based and created using a natural fermentation process which can take up to a couple of weeks.

To drink I went for a berry beat smoothie, which was made of me on the spot and again full of zest and tanginess.

Their specially crafted menu, explained Lauren, is constantly evolving.

“In some ways it is a work in progress, what’s great about this ace is that we can constantly experiment and find new and creative dishes,” she said.

After a short wait my artistically presented cheese was served on a slate board. On offer that day were a peppered brie, a nut cultured soft cheese and a cranberry based blend.

Also served on the plate were dehydrated tomato and pumpkin crackers, fig chutney, and a fresh winter salad made from green quinoa, kale, coleslaw and cauliflower – which cost £9.50.

The texture and consistency of the cheese was interesting, while it felt like cheese, it didn’t have the unmistakable strength or taste. It was a medley of really interesting flavours though, unlike anything I’ve tried before.

However, the standout part of the dish was the salad. It was packed with some many healthy ingredients and super foods which all worked so well together.

The presentation of both mine and my friend’s a vegan cheese and tomato tart were exquisite, and the service was slick without being rushed.

The staff are all smiles and were amazingly helpful in advising and explaining the different foods. You can see the branding, the decor and the menu itself have all been crafted around their ideas - and it works.

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Plus, this uniqueness and staff-led success is reflecting in their business.

“Since opening we’ve slowly spread the word around town and are getting more and more regulars,” added Lauren.

“We now to eat-in and take-out as well as hosting a number of community events. We are still testing the waters at the moment and seeing how thing go, but things are look good.”

Keen to expand the brand further, they are holding a series of cocktail evenings over the winter months and have started their very own cooking classes, which teach even the most inexperienced cook how to whip up some tasty vegan dishes.

Brimming with healthy superfoods, Asparagasm offers something different to your standard pub lunch. It demonstrates perfectly that food can be both delicious and creative in an innovative way.

So for that reason, I certainly advise a paying a visit to try it for yourself.

Asparagasm is open Tuesday - Saturday 12noon – 5pm. Bookings can be made on 01453 839352 or 07799791620.