DOWNING Street’s vibrant new vegan cafe Okomoko has enjoyed a roaring trade since officially opening its doors with a launch party on April 21.

Owner Sam Currie, a Camberley resident and mother of five, started the cafe knowing all too well just how limiting vegan dining can be.

“When I became vegan I realised how difficult it was to eat out, as 95 per cent of the food offered in cafes and restaurants includes dairy or eggs,” she said.

Okomoko is a family affair. Currie’s mother Janet and daughter Hannah are among some of the staff members on hand to help to run the cafe, lovingly named after her late father’s favourite Abbott and Costello character.

“It was my mum and myself that did the decorating, I couldn’t have done it without her,” Sam added.

Since the grand opening, the gluten free-inclusive menu has attracted locals in their masses, selling everything from hearty winter warmers, to light snacks and sweet treats. With recipe inspirations drawn from across the globe, as well as reinventions of British classics, there’s something to tickle everyone’s tastebuds.

As an independent business, supporting and selling quality local produce is a priority, Sam said.

“I’ve always loved Farnham. So many businesses thrive here. We’re using local food, from Farnham Community Farm, for our [seasonal] fruit and vegetable supply. It has zero food miles, as all the produce is from Farnham.”

The cafe’s aim is not to exclude meat-eaters, Sam explained, but to share and introduce tasty vegan alternatives with everyone.

“If you try and convert people every five minutes, it’s putting a bad name against being a vegan. We don’t do that here. No signs saying ‘Meat is Murder’.

“It’s just a nice atmosphere and a nice place to be, and that’s our main goal.”