The Thali Cafe has been awarded a Three Star rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) – the first Indian restaurant group to earn the accolade, now joining the likes of River Cottage and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The brand, with branches in Clifton, Easton, Montpelier and Totterdown, scored highly in all section of the SRA’s sustainability rating. Bristol has the highest concentration of SRA members outside London, with 20 restaurants now signed up to the not for profit organisation that helps restaurants operate more responsibly and diners make more informed decisions about their dining destinations.
The SRA’s assessors were particularly impressed with The Thali Cafe’s total commitment to sourcing local, seasonal and high welfare produce, with all the meat it serves being free range or organic.
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of our business since we started out selling Thalis at summer festivals many moons ago,” said Jim Pizer of The Thali Cafe. “We’re delighted to be awarded three stars and will continue to look for new and innovative ways to improve our sustainability practices as The Thali Cafe grows and expands.”
Thali Cafe’s scored very highly in the other two main sections of the SRA rating – Society and Environment – demonstrating exceptional environmental and social responsibility. Among its laudable initiatives and practices are the work it does with local charities, its use of eco-friendly cleaning products and its comprehensive recycling policy.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: “The Thali Cafe is joining a growing group of Bristol restaurants that understand consumers’ desire to know where their food comes from and how the business is run and it has proved that it is among the most sustainable in the UK.”
Diners can find a sustainable restaurant that matches their values by checking the SRA’s restaurant directory.