Michelin trained chef to open exciting new food business on Chapel Lane in Formby

Formby’s bustling Chapel Lane is set to welcome an exciting new food business as TruePlate prepares to open its very first shop, headed up by Michelin trained chef Jake.

The new TruePlate home will take over the Chapel Lane premises currently occupied by VIVE Brunch, formerly known as Poke, following the announcement on Tuesday 1st September that owner Demi Whittle is bringing her chapter with the popular Formby business to a close.

It is a bittersweet change for Chapel Lane, with customers undoubtedly sad to say goodbye to VIVE and its colourful breakfasts, açai bowls, protein balls and fresh food, but there is plenty to look forward to as the premises begins an exciting new chapter.

And this is much more than simply another meal prep business.

TruePlate founder Jake brings an impressive culinary background to the venture, having trained at 8 by Andrew Sheridan, and is now bringing those skills to the healthy food and meal prep market with a focus on creating nutritious food without compromising on flavour or quality.

TruePlate has already been building a strong following, with Jake’s freshly prepared meals repeatedly selling out in recent weeks.

Now, after growing the business through its delivery service, Jake has confirmed that he has officially taken over the lease on his first permanent TruePlate home, right in the heart of Formby on Chapel Lane.

The opening will take place in phases.

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Initially, TruePlate will settle into its new Chapel Lane premises while continuing its current once a week delivery service.

Work will then begin on transforming the kitchen and shop to create a permanent home designed specifically around the TruePlate concept.

Once that stage is complete, the doors will open and customers will be able to walk into the Chapel Lane shop and pick up TruePlate meals directly.

But the plans do not stop there.

A further phase will see the launch of a café side to the business, bringing another new place to eat to Chapel Lane as TruePlate develops beyond its already popular prepared meals.

Jake has said that detailed timeframes for each stage of the opening will be announced soon.

Announcing the milestone, he thanked the previous owners of VIVE, describing them as “amazing people and good mates”, as well as thanking his family, friends and everyone who has ordered meals, shared posts, recommended TruePlate or supported the business on its journey so far.

He added: “You’ve helped turn this into something real. Time to get to work.”

For VIVE owner Demi, meanwhile, the closure marks the end of a significant chapter.

Demi announced on 1st September that after considerable thought she had made the decision to step away from VIVE, explaining that building the business had taught her an enormous amount and that she would always be proud of what she had created.

She said the demands of running the business had also made her realise that she wanted more peace, time, balance and freedom to enjoy her life and the people around her.

The closure follows a challenging period for hospitality and retail businesses and comes after VIVE’s Baltic Triangle location had previously closed.

However, there is a particularly positive side to the handover, with Demi making clear how happy she is that Jake and TruePlate will be taking over the Chapel Lane space she created.

It means that while Formby is saying goodbye to one much loved independent food business, the prominent Chapel Lane premises will remain home to another ambitious independent venture with big plans for the future.

From selling out meal drops to securing his first permanent shop, it has already been quite a journey for Jake and TruePlate.

Now, with a Michelin trained chef at the helm, a Chapel Lane shop, a transformed kitchen and a future café all planned, TruePlate looks set to become an exciting new addition to Formby’s independent food scene.

We wish Demi every happiness and success with whatever comes next and look forward to seeing Jake and the TruePlate team bring their plans for their first ever shop to life right here on Chapel Lane in Formby.

Opening dates and details of the different phases are expected to be revealed soon.