A 24-YEAR-OLD pastry chef has opened a new vegan cafe in Carlisle Market.

Kinga Monostori recognised the growing need for alternative and intolerance free foods so decided to take on the new venture in Carlisle’s Market Hall.

With more than five years’ experience as a chef and a further two years experience as a pastry chef, Kinga hopes to inject environmental friendliness into every aspect of her business operation.

Having moved here from Hungary and speaking no English at the time, she said: “It was really scary. At first I couldn’t even understand a conversation.

“I had to work as a housekeeper whilst I learned English, then moved up and got a job as a pastry chef in Ullswater.”

The idea to open the vegan cafe called Faithful Flavours came from the growing health food needs.

Ms Monostori explained: “So many people suffer from allergies so I want to be able to help them.

“I hope I can give them the options of being able to come and try something.

“I have seen the effects of climate change creeping into our everyday life and we’re not the one who will suffer the most as a result. I want a world without fear our children can grow up in.

“Reducing the amount of meat we all eat will have a drastic change on greenhouse gas emission but there are so many other ways we can make an impact.

“I hope to be a small part of that change.”

Faithful Flavours will offer a rotating seasonal menu, with cakes, smoothies, tea and coffee as well as chocolate too.

Ms Monostori is nervous at starting her adventure, but loves working in the kitchen and is excited to bring this new aspect to the Market Hall.

She said: “Woman are very underrepresented as entrepreneurs, and I am so happy that I get to start my little shop surrounded by inspiring small business owners.

“It’s such a big community here and everyone is connected.

“I feel connected and at home here.”

Ms Monsotori hopes to be open 9am to 5pm most days.