Meet our founder

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From humble beginnings peeling potatoes at aged 13 for £2 an hour, my culinary journey has been shaped by curiosity and a love for bringing people together. While I may not be a formally trained chef, my passion for cooking and hosting has been cultivated through years of hands-on experience in diverse kitchen environments – from pubs and pizzerias to fine dining establishments and even a stint in France feeding 300 people daily.

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My six years in Italy proved transformative, immersing me in the country's rich food culture through countless restaurant experiences and invaluable lessons from my Italian mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law. Their traditional techniques and secret recipes now form the foundation of the workshops I have taught.

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The real turning point came when I launched my first supper club from our family home. Its success gave me the confidence to dream bigger, eventually leading me to establish my first venue within the Bridgwater YMCA.  What began as an intimate dining experience has blossomed into a thriving community hub, powered by a team of passionate individuals who share my vision. From these roots, we've grown to include three thriving locations – our original community hub at Bridgwater YMCA, a second venue at Highbridge YMCA, and a cosy takeaway coffee shop on Bridgwater High Street.

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We're more than just a dining establishment – we're a platform for cultural exchange and community support. Our initiatives include a pay-it-forward scheme for those experiencing homelessness, partnerships with the YMCA for community events and youth employment, and collaborations with migrant families and diverse ethnic communities to showcase their culinary heritage. Through food, we're building bridges and nurturing connections, one meal at a time.

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Our commitment to ethical business practices took centre stage in 2020, marking a pivotal shift in our journey. By reinvesting our profits back into community initiatives, we're creating positive change that extends far beyond our kitchen doors. Youth employment remains at the heart of what we do – we don't just offer jobs, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities that empower young people to grow, whether within our organisation or as they move forward in their careers. Through regular community events, we continue to reach out to and support vulnerable groups, ensuring our doors remain open to all.

For a deeper understanding of our values and commitments, we invite you to explore our mission statement.