Planted Plates brings vegan food to Signal Yard

A local independent food business that started life serving customers from a food truck at Milton Park has opened a new home at Signal Yard, to become the first food and beverage operator to open within the Park’s new social and retail destination.

Founded by Didcot entrepreneur Henna Afzal, Planted Plates has officially opened at Signal Yard following a five-year growth journey that began in 2021 at Milton Feast, Milton Park’s original street food pop-up event.

Loyal following

Having built a loyal following among people working across Milton Park and local residents, Planted Plates expanded in 2025 into its first dedicated premises at 136 Eastern Avenue on the Park.

The business has now relocated to a larger permanent unit at Signal Yard, to create a new home for its plant-based menu of breakfasts, lunches, coffee and sweet treats.

The move has enabled Planted Plates to significantly expand its offer to introduce breakfast and brunch dishes, grab-and-go options, barista-made coffee and a larger seating area designed to encourage people to meet, work and socialise throughout the day. The business also provides a vegan catering service for companies across Milton Park, to deliver everything from working lunches and team meetings to larger corporate events using its zero-CO2 delivery vehicle.

Henna launched Planted Plates after becoming frustrated by the lack of exciting plant-based food options available locally.

Today, Henna has built a loyal customer base through a flavour-led approach to food that attracts people of all dietary preferences which includes her popular pakoras and chickpea curries, and smashed avocado on sourdough with vine roasted tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Signal Yard

Following the move to Signal Yard, Planted Plates is also looking to grow its team as the business continues to expand which has included Henna’s brother Jack joining the business.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, the café offers a menu that changes daily alongside breakfast options, fresh cakes and pastries.

The opening marks another milestone in the transformation of Signal Yard, Milton Park’s £14 million investment creating a new social and retail destination for the Park’s 280+ companies, their employees and wider community.

Flavour first vegan food

Henna Afzal, founder of Planted Plates, said: “When I started Planted Plates, I simply wanted to create food that people genuinely looked forward to eating. For me, it’s always been about flavour first. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy great food, and we’ve been incredibly lucky to build such a supportive community of customers over the last few years.

“Milton Park has been part of our journey from the beginning. Starting at Milton Feast gave us the opportunity to test ideas, build a following and grow the business. Opening at Signal Yard feels like a full-circle moment and we’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and new customers through the door.

“I am incredibly proud of how far the business has come. This move gives us the opportunity to expand our offer, grow the team and continue building something that people genuinely enjoy being part of.”

Vibrant destination

Signal Yard is bringing together a mix of independent retailers, food and beverage operators, health and wellbeing services in a central location at Milton Park, creating a vibrant destination for people working on the Park and the local community.

Clare Fleet, asset manager of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate said: “One of the ambitions for Signal Yard has always been to support independent businesses and create a destination that brings people together.

“Planted Plates perfectly captures that vision. Henna has built a fantastic business at Milton Park over the last five years and we’re delighted to see her become the first food and beverage operator to open at Signal Yard.

“Their journey from Milton Feast to a permanent home at Signal Yard demonstrates how businesses can start, grow and thrive here. As more retailers and operators open over the coming months, Signal Yard will continue to evolve into a vibrant social and retail destination for both the Park and wider community.”

Alongside its café offering, Planted Plates continues to provide corporate catering services for businesses and events across Oxfordshire.

Ox in a Box Awards

The business has also been shortlisted in this year’s Ox in a Box Awards, which recognise some of Oxfordshire’s most popular independent food and drink businesses. People can vote for Planted Plates via the Ox in a Box website – nominations close on 20 June 2026 – see the link at the bottom of the article.