Food & Habits

Plant-based cooking workshops in Torbay attract intergenerational audiences keen on healthy, affordable alternatives

Plant-based cooking workshops in Torbay attract intergenerational audiences keen on healthy, affordable alternatives.

By Lottie Brennan, The Commons View | 8 July 2025, 08:51

A series of community-led cooking workshops in Torbay is drawing crowds of all ages eager to explore plant-based meals that are both healthy and affordable. The events, hosted at the Chelston Community Centre, have become a lively fixture on the town's calendar, blending culinary learning with social connection.

Organised by local non-profit 'Root & Rise', the workshops focus on simple, seasonal recipes that can be made using ingredients readily available at discount grocers and local markets. Participants leave each session with printed guides, pre-portioned ingredients, and the confidence to recreate meals at home.

“We’re not trying to convert people into vegans overnight,” says group leader Carla Simmons, a nutritionist and former school chef. “It’s about making plant-based eating accessible, demystifying ingredients like lentils and tofu, and showing how to build flavour without breaking the bank.”

The sessions attract a mix of demographics, from retirees curious about healthier diets to young parents seeking ways to reduce weekly shopping costs. For many, it’s the first time they’ve cooked with ingredients like nutritional yeast, chickpea flour or miso paste.

Children are welcome, and many join in peeling, stirring, or taste-testing. “It’s been lovely seeing my son try new things,” says attendee Mia, who brought her 6-year-old to a recent session. “He now asks for vegetable curry at home — which is a miracle!”

Torbay Council has offered small grants to expand the programme to new venues, including a secondary school and a housing estate. Interest has grown through word of mouth and the group’s active social media presence, where photos of vibrant plates and participant testimonials are regularly shared.

In an era of rising food prices and health inequalities, organisers say the demand for practical, inclusive food education has never been higher. Their hope is that the model can be replicated across other parts of the South West and beyond.