Globetrotting duo take on new healthy-eating restaurant venture in Seaham

A husband and wife team have opened a new clean-eating restaurant in Seaham.

Paul and Linda Barron launched Clean Bean restaurant after being inspired by their global travelling.

The duo took inspiration from places they visited including Indonesia, Tasmania, Nepal and the US among others to create a restaurant for people who value the concept of clean-eating and to dispel the misconception that healthy food is boring.

Linda said: “On our travels we were blown away by the amount of choice people had to keep up a healthy lifestyle.

“We believe that bringing our new concept to Seaham will offer something different and complement the amazing food offerings we already have in the town.

“We believe that natural, versatile and balanced foods will strengthen the body and will contribute to people’s well-being.

“Our menu includes only fresh and high-quality ingredients – sourced from local suppliers, where possible - without the unnecessary flavour enhancers, preservatives, refined sugars and other chemicals.

“And all of our menu is entirely gluten-free, which is unique, as I believe we’re the only restaurant in the area which can say that.”

To launch the business, Linda - who previously worked in recruitment - sought startup advice from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland and was supported through the New Enterprise Allowance, a national government initiative.

Paul added: “We were delighted to work closely with BIC Business Adviser, Margaret Cook, who helped us write a business plan and signposted us to funding.

“Margaret also shared her experiences of seeing what businesses have done well and what they haven’t done well during the startup stage. She was always there for us and we never felt alone; her support was very important to us.”

Clean Bean can be found on Seaham’s North Terrace and the company is currently recruiting for various roles in the restaurant.