Inspired
People, Places and Things
With Sebastian Taylor
Sebastian Taylor is the former owner of Galway’s much loved social enterprise, Café Temple. For seven years, Café Temple focused on using local healthy food, supporting the community, and giving back where they could through their pay it forward initiatives. Here Sebastian shares his love of Galway, inspirations, and what he has learned over the years as he embarks on a new adventure.
Describe yourself in three words:
Positive, Happy, Healthy.
What is something our readers might not know about you?
I’m classically trained in Piano
What is your proudest accomplishment? Moving back to Galway in 2015, opening Café Temple and then running it for 7 years. It was such a fabulous experience doing the things I love such as making tasty healthy food and drinks for people to enjoy them in a shared space. It was very rewarding seeing how what starts as a little idea in your head can grow into something much bigger than yourself. I really believe people need to value the food we eat and drink and to learn about where our food comes from and the good and bad sides that come with the food systems we have developed, not just locally but globally. It was great to see the growing vegan and vegetarian trends over the last few years in Galway as well and trying to be part of that by not charging extra for plant based milks and focusing on vegan options is something I am proud of. Meeting all the amazing staff and customers who have come through the doors over the years was the biggest reward.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents. I think the people who are around you the most have the biggest impact on you and my parents helped instil great values in us growing up like hard work, empathy, drive, and passion for food and the natural world around us.
Tell us something you love about Galway:
I love the rose-tinted view of Galway. Even though it rains a lot here, on those magical sunny days Galway really is the best place in the world. It’s like the city comes alive, especially during times of the year like now during the arts festival. You can be walking down shop street and then you will bump into someone and all of a sudden you are grabbing a random coffee or pint with them. There’s so much to love about Galway; the community, the amazing food scene, the coffee shops, the market, the pubs, it’s hard to pinpoint one thing. If I’m up early on the weekends, walking the long walk on a warm quiet Sunday morning as the sun is coming up and everyone’s still asleep is great. Oh, and I can’t forget the sea swims in Salthill!
@cafetemple
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