People on the go can get a fast meal and enjoy the benefits of healthy food thanks to the launch of a new vegetarian and vegan bar.

Cafe Eden Smoothie Bar, which is based at 41 King Street, Hamilton, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Book Centre and ABC Natural Foods, will be officially opened at a ceremony at 10.30 a.m. today.

The smoothie bar offers everything from smoothies with a choice of three fruits and add-ons including nuts, grains and seeds, house mixes, ice-creams, non-dairy milks and juices in medium and large sizes to vegetarian burgers and sandwiches with vegan meat made from soy and vegetable-based products, as well as soups.

Manager Carolyn James said she decided to open the bar due to demand for a vegetarian option in the community.

"You can come in and have a decent light meal with both vegan and vegetarian options available," she said.

"We are really excited about the options available because we have a lot of ingredients that a lot of stores don't carry that the avid healthy eater will be able to access."

She said the benefits of a smoothie were a fast and easy meal with all the health benefits that can be derived from using natural products.

"It is a quick and healthy meal to have," she said.

"Because of all of the fruits, nuts and grains, you get all of the healthy options instead fast foods where everything is fatty and full of cholesterol.

"It is the ideal tasty alternative if you want to have something on the go."

There are also plans to launch a range of vegetable smoothies in the future.

The smoothie bar is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5.45 p.m., Wednesday until 6.15 p.m. and Friday to 1.15 p.m. and has indoor and outdoor seating. Free parking is also available.

For more information contact 292-4111 or email bdaabc@tbinet.bm