The man behind the UK’s first zero waste restaurant wants to change the way we think about food
Brighton is famous for many things – its iconic pier, the eccentric, Indian inspired splendours of its Regency Royal Pavilion and its laid-back, cosmopolitan atmosphere. But now the town can boast another claim to fame – it’s home to the UK’s only zero-waste restaurant.
Tucked away down a side street not far from the seafront is Silo – the only restaurant in Britain where the bin men never call because they’re not needed, even though day after day, week after week for the past three years, contented customers have been munching their way through the various dishes on Silo’s menu.
‘It’s not easy, but it’s so worthwhile,’ says Douglas McMaster, 30, the brains behind the venture. ‘The way I see it, waste is a failure of the imagination and the waste of an opportunity.’
And when it comes to his restaurant, Douglas’ imagination has been working overtime. ‘Food comes from our suppliers in reusable crates which they take back,’ he says, ‘and we make as many items as we possibly can on the premises ourselves, from scratch. We buy in bulk and we get wheat a ton at a time to store in the basement and mill ourselves to bake fresh bread and rolls. We roll our own oats and we have milk delivered in 25-litre drums, so we can make our own butter, cheese and yogurt.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing