A DASH of wheatgrass, a scattering of berries and a bunch of brownies has proved a recipe for success in Bromley Cross.

New organic juice bar and cafe Earthlings has become the place to be for diners looking for something a little different.

Set up by Hilary Martin, its menu mixes healthy food with tasty treats from 'raw' brownies, hot meals and smoothies.

And since opening on at the start of March, the popularity of the cafe, opposite the Co-operative supermarket in Darwen Road, has gone from strength to strength for the 50-year-old mum of one and her team.

She said: "We opened on the Easter weekend and didn't announce it but it was mad. It seemed people had been eagerly watching and awaiting us opening, so there was a mass influx of people and it has been the same since!

"It's been non-stop, I've barely had time to catch my breath, it's been so busy, but we are really enjoying it.

"Lots of people have been coming in and given really positive feedback about the food and the cafe and it's been a big mix of people too, young and old and lots of men interested in protein and keeping fit.

"This has been my dream a long time and the reception it's had has made it all worthwhile."

Mrs Martin is a former training co-ordinator with Bolton Council who originally hails from Harwood.

Now living in Ainsworth, she decided to return to her Bolton roots for her first cafe with the help of her daughter, and Bromley cross resident, Emily Henshall.

Prior to the cafe, she has been promoting organic food - including vegetable juices and raw cake - from home, cooking for family and friends and running workshops.

The cafe hopes to change people's preconceived perceptions or doubts surrounding the health food market, putting interesting takes on raw, vegan and organic foods on the menu.

It also caters for people with allergies and dietary requirements, avoiding gluten, dairy and refined sugar in its cooking.

The cafe is currently open Tuesday to Sunday, with plans to extend opening hours at the weekend due to its popularity.

"The juices, smoothies and the raw foods and cakes have been going really well, we can't make then fast enough," Mrs martin added.

"We've been having to shut people out at the weekend as we run out of food so we hope to increase our hours.

"It has all exceed my expectations three to four fold!"

With seven members of staff currently aboard, demand has also meant they are now searching for an experienced chef with a passion for plant based food, health and well being to join the team.

There are also plans in the future to offer lifestyle coaching and workshops for people who want to find out more about juicing, raw/vegan food, nutrition, weight loss and lifestyle.

To find out more visit the 'Earthlings' Facebook page or to find out more about the current vacancy email hilary@earthlingsorganic.co.uk.