New takeaway opens in Gosport selling delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, plus a bit of happiness

For mum-of-two Sarah has decided to grasp life with both hands and she has started her dream business The Happy Bean, selling takeaway vegan and vegetarian meals.

The 40-year-old, from Gosport, had an even more troubled 2020 than the average person as the coronavirus pandemic was not the only difficulty Sarah had to content with.

She suffered a stroke, her marriage broke down, and her dad Chris Haynes died two days before Christmas.

Sarah said: ‘I decided that now is the time. It was something that my dad always pushed my to do, setting up on my own, and after everything that had happened, it was the right time to take a leap of faith.’

Sarah took on the unit in Stoke Road, getting the keys on January 1, and she set about setting up her venture.

She quit her job as a school cook at Haslemere Primary and is now looking to the future with her own business.

She said: ‘I have been a vegetarian all my life, both my children are vegetarian too, so we knew there is nowhere to buy anything.

‘I have always cooked for everyone I know and it's always been appreciated.

‘I have spent the last six years as a school cook, which is very regimented and restricted, so it is nice to break out and do what I want to do.

‘Last year was the worst time in my life, my dad dying was the worst thing that ever happened to me. My marriage broke down, I suffered a stroke, and to top it all I turned 40.

‘I thought “this is it, life is too short”. It was time to do something for myself.’

Since opening on February 1, meals have been flying out of Happy Bean’s doors.

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Sarah's daughter Kaya, 15, has been working in the shop, and her partner Shaun Hayes has been stepping in as delivery driver.

The takeaway is set up on Just Eat and Sarah says her most popular dishes have been the vegan burger, macaroni cheese, lasagne, shepherd's pie and the shish kebab.

‘It has been very busy,’ she said.

‘There’s nothing like having a proper meal.

‘I have had such good feedback. The reviews have been amazing.

‘I am so pleased, it has really built up my confidence. We have had the same people coming in every day, I hope that continues. It's great to see people enjoying my food.’

For more go to facebook.com/The-Happy-Bean-176281993922829

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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