This Tooting couple started a business after pandemic put their cafe dream on hold

A Tooting couple started a successful business from their home after the pandemic put their dream of opening a new cafe on hold.

Joey and Krishanthi are the creators of Muvs All Day, a delivery service offering Sri Lankan rice and curry in reusable glass jars.

The business is inspired by Krishanthi's Sri Lankan mother, Muv, who would give curry leftovers in reused glass jars for the pair to take back to London with them.

Their rice and curry menu changes every fortnight, and all the food is made to order to minimise waste.

Krishanthi is first-generation Sri Lankan British and has wanted to open a local, dual heritage brunch cafe in the heart of Tooting for a long time.

Krishanthi told Nub News: "The blending of Sri Lankan and British food and culture is so inherent in our lifestyle, and we're excited to bring that fusion to a space in Tooting, along with a dose of tropical vibes."

Absolutely everything in Muvs All Day is done by Joey and Krishanthi, which they say has inevitably led to some 'frustrating limitations' along the way.

"We sell out often, because there's only so many jars we can keep chilled in our fridges," Joey told Nub News.

"That said, we've grown an incredible community in that time, who have been so supportive with ideas and feedback.

"We often reflect on the fact that our customers are the only faces we'd seen in real life over many months.

"The loyalty and friendship of our early customers is something that will stay with us as we grow."

All of the food is made with fresh ingredients with no waste in the kitchen.

"We knew it was a big ask for customers to pre-order their jars days in advance so that we could minimise food waste, but they've fully embraced the concept," Joey added.

The beauty of the business is that customers are able to enjoy the 'takeaway treat' without the guilt of packaging and food waste.

In the first six months of operation, the business saved over 100kg of takeaway packaging going to waste through their reusable glass jar concept.

Krishanthi said: "Knowing that the jars that brought your meal will be used again rather than going to landfill makes you feel part of something positive, and all you have to do is enjoy delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry to be part of the change."

Looking towards the future, the couple is unsure if they'll launch straight into their cafe as lockdown eases - or if they'll continue on the new venture they've carved for themselves.

"We'll ride the wave and see where it takes us," they told Nub News.

You can find out more about Muvs All Day on their website and Instagram.