This month’s Business Profile is of The Raw Juice Bar – a new establishment that has recently opened in Newport’s City Centre, located at 9 Upper Dock Street, directly opposite Debenhams of Friars Walk.

Voice got the chance to talk to its owner, young entrepreneur Kelly Miles from Tredegar, to tell us more about her new juice bar. Here’s what she had to say:

Being from the Welsh Valleys, why did you decide to locate in Newport?
Newport was an obvious option for us as Friars Walk has made a huge difference to the city and it’s clear to see that the only way is up over the next few years.

What got you into making fresh juice drinks?
I worked abroad on a yacht for a few years, where we made fresh juices for our guests every morning, which gave me my first taste for them. I started experimenting with different recipes which went down a storm on board, and then when I decided to return home I made the decision to open a juice bar. There is a distinct lack of healthy options around here so I was keen to offer something a little different.

What makes your juices so unique?
We create mouthwatering fruit and vegetable juices which are freshly squeezed right in front of the customer – there’s not a carton of juice in sight!
This is because we know that you get the best health benefits from the produce when the juice is extracted and drank immediately.
This is in direct contrast to most store-bought juices which are juiced weeks previously and cooked to kill off anything which could cause harm if sat on a shelf for a month. This pasteurisation method also kills off anything good, hence why our juice is considered “raw” – a lot of people have questioned the name, and now they know! Our drinks are basically an easy and delicious way to make sure you get your five-a-day.

We hear your smoothies are extremely popular, what makes them so good?
They are 100 per cent natural, and completely healthy. Take for example our Berry smoothie; to make this we juice an orange right there, then we add in a handful of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries plus half a banana, a spoonful of yoghurt to make it creamy, and a tiny squeeze of honey for sweetness. That’s it – no nasties, no chemicals, just an unbelievably delicious and fresh tasting drink which is all goodness and contributes to your five-a-day. In our other smoothies we use almond milk or coconut water as a base, with other ingredients such as avocado, chia seeds, pineapple, mango, oats, even spinach! You can drink one of these and feel amazing, knowing you’re doing yourself a big favour.


Besides juices and smoothies, what else do you offer?
Our award-winning Italian coffee comes from Segafredo Zanetti, and we serve a great cup of tea in a mug – like it’s meant to be. Our delicious cakes are freshly baked at a local Newport bakery, and we offer a fresh mint tea as well as well as delicious decaf options and fruit teas.

Mainly we have worked hard to make our tea and coffee menu reasonably priced – the prices of hot drinks in many of the chain stores are extortionate! We’re proud to offer one of the most reasonable hot drink menus in the area, and we do drink-in and takeaway too.

We are proud to be affiliated with Joe’s Ice Cream – a legendary Welsh brand which has been making ice cream here since 1922. For Joe’s fans in Newport, it means easy access in the city centre without having to drive to Cardiff or Swansea. Our flavours range from classic vanilla and strawberry to luxurious chocolate brownie and salted caramel to the more wacky bubblegum, topped with sauce, nuts, chocolate sprinkles and flakes.


What about options for people with special dietary requirements?
All our drinks can be amended to cater for customers with various dietary requirements. Our fresh juices are obviously completely gluten-free, dairy-free (and fat free!) and are suitable for vegan diets too. All our smoothies can be made vegan as we have dairy-free yoghurt, agave nectar instead of honey, and almond milk instead of cows’ milk. Plus we stock gluten free oats.

Are you running any introductory offers at the moment?
We currently offer 10 per cent off drinks to Pure Gym members. We offer flavoured protein shakes for just £1.20 for anyone wanting a bit of a post-workout recovery drink, with the option to add in fruit or vitamin supplements. We sell these so reasonably as we know it can be irritating to forget your protein after a gym session, but at this price you don’t mind! Plus we are located conveniently so it’s easy to pop in.

We offer a loyalty card scheme to our regulars, so pop in and start collecting stamps today to reap the benefits!

Finally, why should people come and visit The Raw Juice Bar?
When I first started experimenting with juices it only took a few days for my energy to increase dramatically – I’d recommend it to anyone feeling under the weather. We are an independent family-run business with a small core of lovely friendly staff who make the best juices and smoothies in town. We guarantee you won’t leave disappointed – they really are that good!

The Raw Juice bar is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am on Sunday.

You can find The Raw Juice Bar at 9 Upper Dock Street, Newport NP20 1DX, directly opposite the Debenhams in Friars Walk.

For more information about the services available call 01633 263940. To keep up to date with the latest news, offers and events, like the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.