A POPULAR Isle of Wight vegan restaurant is preparing for a change of ownership after years of providing nutritious, ethical meals.

Tansy's Pantry — run by Jaime and Ollie Bennett — began life as a festival truck, before moving aboard a double-decker bus to become synonymous with summer music events on the Isle of Wight, as well as providing local students with healthy lunch options during the rest of the year.

Serving a range of vegan and vegetarian fare, the business later operated out of a charming Bedford van named Bella, and most recently evolved into a Godshill based cafe.

The absence of the eaterie's affable owners will inevitably leave a gaping void on the Island's culinary landscape, although Jaime and Ollie have expressed their intention to continue at the helm until the right person is available to take the reins. 

A statement on the Tansy's Pantry Facebook page said: "This may or may not come as a surprise, but after 15 years of catering we've decided to hang up our pinnies.

"Our decision is not due to the pandemic but for many personal reasons.

"It's been an incredible ride since we started at festivals such as Rhythmtree with our truck, then the double-decker then Bella the Bedford and now beautiful Godshill.

"We've had the best customers over the years that anyone could imagine, and would like to thank you for supporting us.

"We've always said that one of our meals eaten may have been one less animal eaten.

"We will be hoping to sell the business as a going concern and we welcome anyone who is genuinely interested in taking the Tansy baton from us and running with it into the plant-based future.

"In the meantime we will continue to stay open until the right person comes along, so don't panic, we're not closing right now.

"Thank you again for supporting us over the years, because without you we wouldn't be where we are now."