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Women of Brighton Hospitality

Celebrating the Brighton and Sussex hospitality industry.

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The Interview Series

Women of Brighton Hospitality is an interview series from Restaurants Brighton celebrating the women shaping hospitality across Brighton, Hove and Sussex. From chefs, restaurant owners and front-of-house teams to suppliers, marketers, charity leaders and hospitality innovators, the series shines a light on the people driving the industry forward.

Through honest conversations and personal stories, these interviews explore careers, creativity, leadership, community and the realities of working in hospitality today. Women of Brighton Hospitality is designed to inspire connection, celebrate achievement and give greater visibility to the many talented women working across Sussex’s vibrant food, drink and hospitality scene.

Women in Hospitality

Women Suppliers

Meet the Women in Brighton and Sussex Hospitality

Meet Anna Reilly’s from Fourth & Church

In this interview, we speak with Anna Reilly of Fourth and Church, one of Brighton’s most talked-about wine-led destinations. Anna shares her journey into hospitality, the vision behind creating a space that celebrates great wine and seasonal food, and what sets the venue apart in a competitive scene. From curating an exceptional wine offering to building a loyal following, she offers insight into the passion and precision behind running a standout neighbourhood spot.

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Executive Chef Kim Woodward’s Journey to the Top

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sit down with Kim Woodward, Executive Chef at the Black Rock Restaurant Group. From her historic tenure as the first female Head Chef at the Savoy Grill to her television appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu, Kim is a powerhouse of the UK culinary scene.

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Maré’s Twin Sous Chefs Beth and Lauren

After a historic 50-year wait, the Michelin star has returned to Brighton, finding its home at Maré in Hove. At the heart of this achievement are twin sisters and Sous Chefs, Beth and Lauren. Born and bred in Brighton, the duo brings a unique “sibling shorthand” to the city’s most exciting kitchen. We caught up with them to discuss their journey from childhood baking to professional excellence and what it feels like to make culinary history in their hometown.

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Brunch Royalty: Oeuf Café Wins Best Brunch Two Years Running

Few brunch spots in Brighton & Hove have captured the city’s imagination like Oeuf Café in Hove. With playful décor, inventive menus and a devoted following, Oeuf has become a multi-BRAVO winner and a staple of the local café scene. We sat down with owner Amber Bush to discuss their latest award, the secret to Oeuf’s enduring appeal, and what’s next — including her exciting new venture, Bayon Bakery.

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Meet Jo Malone, Village Pizza Kitchen

Inspired by a trip to New York more than two decades ago, Jo Malone’s dream of creating authentic New York–style pizza finally came to life in the heart of Sussex. What began as a lockdown takeaway in Hurstpierpoint has since grown into the award-winning Village Pizza Kitchen – a neighbourhood favourite known for its outstanding pizzas, local ingredients, and community spirit.

We caught up with Jo to talk about the journey from idea to reality, her passion for Sussex produce, and how Village Pizza Kitchen has become one of the region’s most celebrated independent restaurants.

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Meet Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker at Nyetimber

Meet Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker at Nyetimber, as she celebrates a remarkable achievement for English wine. Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum was crowned Champion Sparkling Wine of the World at the International Wine Challenge 2025 — a first for an English producer. Adding to the success, Cherie was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year for the second time, recognising her exceptional skill and dedication. Her win cements Nyetimber’s reputation as one of the world’s leading sparkling wine producers, right here in West Sussex.

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Meet Tanya Armstrong, The Jolly Sportsman

As part of this year’s BRAVO Awards celebrations, we caught up with Tanya Armstrong, General Manager of The Jolly Sportsman — winner of Best Sussex Pub 2025. Nestled in the picturesque village of East Chiltington, this much-loved country pub has won the hearts of guests with its warm hospitality, locally sourced produce, and clever mix of tradition and innovation. Tanya shares what makes The Jolly Sportsman such a special place, and why the BRAVO win is a proud moment for her team.

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Meet Bookie Mitchell from Namo Eats

Restaurants Brighton recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bookie, the chef and owner of Namo Brighton, to hear her inspiring story — from her childhood in Thailand to opening her first solo restaurant in The Lanes. A self-taught cook with a degree in English and Japanese from one of Thailand’s top universities, Bookie learned her craft from her family and her travels through Japan, Chile, Easter Island, Bermuda, and South Africa, blending global influences into her distinctive Thai cooking style.

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Meet Jo Glazebrook

Jo Glazebrook leads the Brighton Community Kitchen, a welcoming social enterprise just five minutes from Brighton station where food, learning and community meet. Open since 2018, the kitchen runs free and low-cost daytime classes for local groups and those on lower incomes, alongside evening and weekend sessions with Brighton’s talented chefs and restaurateurs. Jo oversees the team, events and partnerships, helping to create a space that builds confidence, encourages connection and celebrates the joy of cooking together.

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Izzy England

We had a chat with Izzy England from Fatto A Mano, a popular pizzeria with locations in Brighton and London. Izzy, who manages the marketing single-handedly, shares insights into how marketing has evolved in the hospitality industry.

Drawing from her experience at Polpo seven years ago, Izzy highlights the changing landscape of restaurant promotion and the innovative strategies Fatto A Mano uses to stay ahead in a competitive market.

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Helen Pomery

Meet Helen from Terra Restaurant and Tottington Manor as she shares her approach to sustainability and working with Sussex suppliers. Passionate about sustainable dining, Helen prioritises local, organic ingredients, minimises waste, and supports regional farmers. By partnering with Sussex suppliers, she ensures that both restaurants serve fresh, high-quality produce while reducing their environmental impact. Her commitment not only enhances the dining experience but also strengthens the local economy and promotes a more sustainable future for hospitality in Sussex.

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Hatt Eaton

We meet Hatt Eaton, the landlady of The Eddy, a pub located near Brighton station. Hatt and her team have won double BRAVO Awards, securing the title of Best Brighton Pub for both 2023 and 2024. Through her leadership, Hatt has crafted an inviting and lively atmosphere that has made The Eddy a beloved spot for locals, ensuring customers keep returning for more of the pub’s unique charm and community spirit.

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Amber Sterck

Meet Amber from Oeuf Cafe, a pastel coloured dreamy Hove café for those wanting a candlelit breakfast over some Etta James playing in the background. Amber ran restaurants across London and Brighton and hospitality has always been at the forefront of her career. From chains to independents, Amber has taken the best bits from each and amalgamated them into Oeuf!

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Minnie George

Minnie George began her hospitality career in Brighton after university, taking on various roles, including managing Brighton bars like the beloved Spiegeltent. In 2021, she joined the Black Rock Group and contributed to the opening of Burnt Orange, starting as front of house and eventually becoming Reservations Manager. Minnie now leads marketing for Dishoom Permit Room in Brighton, showcasing her growth and expertise in the local hospitality scene.

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Emily Alexander

We meet Emily Alexander, General Manager of the Jolly Sportsman pub in East Chiltington, who shares insights into her hospitality role and the exciting events she has lined up at this charming Sussex pub.

Emily also reveals her personal plans, including her upcoming wedding at the award-winning Halisco in Brighton which is one of her favourite and award winning BRAVO restaurants for 2024 having won the cheap eats category.

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Gayle Newman

Gayle Newman is the powerhouse behind The Ladies Mile pub in Patcham. As Licensee, Director, and Bar Manager, she’s been instrumental in shaping its success as a vibrant community hub.

Balancing her professional life, Gayle also proudly embraces her roles as a wife and mother, making her a true leader both at work and home. Winner of best Sunday Roast in 2024.

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Natalie Demetriou

In 2017, Natalie inaugurated LOST, shortly after returning to the UK from a 13-year stint in New Zealand. Despite lacking prior experience in hospitality, her genuine ardor for culinary arts and hospitality propelled her endeavour. Previously, she dedicated 15 years to the field of education, serving as a skilled speech and language therapist.

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Tamara Roberts

In a former chapter of her life, Tamara embarked on a trajectory that initially involved obtaining a law degree and subsequently qualifying as a chartered accountant. This foundation equipped her with robust commercial, financial, and operational expertise, honed through diverse roles across multiple sectors.

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Laura Karall

As part of our Women in Hospitality series, we meet Laura Karall, Head Chef at Café Rust. With a background shaped by Silo’s zero-waste philosophy and a deep passion for sustainability, Laura discusses fostering positive kitchen cultures, empowering her team, and her mission to combine conscious cooking with creative excellence.

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Noemi at Apiary

Meet Alistair and Noemi Bell, the dynamic hospitality duo behind Apiary, situated on the Brighton and Hove border. The concept for Apiary emerged during one of the lockdowns when Noemi stumbled upon an old beekeeping book from Alistair’s days in Canada. Inspired, she immediately connected with the craft and enrolled in a beekeeping course at Plumpton College. Discover more about their unique journey and passion for sustainable practices right here.

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Stella Gurney

Stella devoted 15 years to the realm of children’s publishing, assuming roles as an editor and writer. However, an abrupt realisation prompted her to transition from the office to the outdoors. Motivated by a newfound passion, she embarked on creating gourmet camping cuisine and crafting memorable outdoor experiences.

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Amanda Jayne Powey

Amanda has been a trailblazer in the realm of vegetarian cuisine for decades, serving as an inspirational figure for many. Dive into Amanda’s remarkable journey, uncovering the pivotal elements that have solidified Terre à Terre’s esteemed reputation as one of the UK’s premier vegetarian restaurants over the years.

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Sarah Cotton

Sarah Cotton, fondly referred to as the “houmous lady” and a prominent figure in Brighton, has earned a legendary status. Alongside her brother, she has established the gold standard for houmous, leaving an indelible mark on our culinary experiences for years to come. Smorl’s is located at Brighton Open Market on London Road.

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Nicky Stephens

Nicky transitioned from her roles in beauty and teaching to venture into customer service, administrative tasks, and accounts management at The Roasting Party, a renowned coffee roastery in Winchester. During her tenure, her partner Duncan Ray extended an invitation for her to join not just as his life partner but also as his business partner.

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Ivana Roy

Ivana Roy, the co-owner and operations manager at French restaurant ‘Petit Pois‘, is renowned for her unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and ensuring guests’ culinary delight. Her profound affection for the people of Brighton fuels her enthusiasm for the dynamic challenges and trials that the bustling hospitality industry presents.

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Sarah Davies

Embarking on her hospitality journey five years ago, Sarah reluctantly heeded her husband’s suggestion to purchase The Cleveland Arms, initially envisioning a part-time commitment. However, she finds herself still posing the question, “When will I be working part-time?” Recognising our aptitude in this partnership, we further expanded into the mobile bar business, launching Orange Beach Bars in 2021.

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Gemma Ogston

Gemma’s journey to becoming a plant-based advocate and the founder and chef at Gem’s Wholesome Kitchen evolved through diverse experiences in travel, hospitality, and welfare. Balancing her roles as a dedicated mother to two children, she draws inspiration from them, striving to uphold a harmonious equilibrium between her professional endeavours and personal life.

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Naomi Le Courte

Naomi’s professional journey in the hospitality industry boasts managerial roles in some of Brighton’s best restaurants. Her unwavering passion for the field and relentless pursuit of knowledge exemplify her resilient can-do spirit. Her impressive resume stands as a testament to the power of hard work and self-belief, demonstrating how far dedication and confidence can take one.

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Olivia Hawkins

Olivia’s culinary journey commenced at the tender age of 18 in the quaint setting of The Fig Tree in Sussex. In the intimate team of three chefs, including the owner, she rapidly honed her skills and acquired invaluable experience. Transitioning to the The Coal Shed in Brighton and subsequently its sister establishment, The Salt Room on Brighton’s seafront, she spent three fruitful years before moving on to a position at etch restaurant in Hove.

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Penny O'Reilly

Starting her management journey 24 years ago in retail in Dublin, Penny navigated a bustling customer-centric role that involved overseeing a team. This experience laid a foundation for her next venture abroad, where she joined a tour operator and managed a chalet in the picturesque French Alps. Penny is owner at Space and Thyme which operates in The Black Lion, The Post House (now closed) and the Mesmerist.

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Daisy Boyce

Daisy epitomises the story of determination and success, having diligently risen through the ranks to assume a senior role in the hospitality sector. Her upbringing in Brighton pubs, under the guidance of her landlord and landlady parents, instilled in her a profound passion for the industry. Currently serving as the head of sales and reservations at two of Brighton’s renowned venues, she oversees Trading Post Coffee and its five Sussex-based cafes.

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Nick Hedley

Following a degree in Law Nick worked in Event Management for 12 years in London and Brighton before being made redundant. Nick then worked as a waitress for a year before taking over ownership of the Brighton Routemaster.

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Aoife Sweeney

In brief, Aoife has been immersed in front-of-house work since the age of 13, a passion ingrained in her. When her business partner Annie envisioned opening a Mexican restaurant in Brighton, the rest, as they say, is history and welcome to La Choza Mexican restaurant in Brighton. Mexican food is Aoife’s strong passion and there are so many regional dishes showcasing so many flavours; each region has its own indigenous dishes to explore.

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Helen Hutton

Driven by her background in circus tricks, the establishment of a performer’s agency, and studies in event management, Helen Hutton‘s journey culminated in the creation of Tropical Sushi. Her story within the hospitality industry is marked by remarkable achievements and accolades, showcasing the success of Japanese restaurant Tropical Sushi under her guidance.

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Sophie Tavener

Meet Sophie Tavener, head chef at Lost in the Lanes. Sophie has been a chef for nearly 10 years, starting out cooking in Spain where she worked at the Ibiza Food Studio and Finca with chef Boris Bueno.

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Cassie Gould

The plan was to become an actress, but Cassie started temping from Uni, then worked as a registrar of births, deaths and marriages in which time she met Henry Butler. She now runs Butlers and is married to Henry!

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Meet Apiary’s Head Chef Monika Prikk

From Estonian foraging to London’s Michelin-recognised kitchens, Monika Prikk’s journey celebrates “honest cooking.” Now Head Chef at Apiary, Hove, she blends Mediterranean style with honey-infused flavours. As part of our Women in Hospitality series, we discuss her transition from psychology to the pass, kitchen mental health, and her mission to build a more inclusive future within the industry.

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Meet Lonnie from Nanima

We had the chance to interview Nicky and Lonnie Allon, the dynamic team behind Nanima in Kemtown, to delve into the origins of their venture. They discuss how Nanima was born, their creative take on a Brighton Asian restaurant, and the welcoming atmosphere of Brighton’s Kemptown community. The duo also shares how family recipes and local support have been central to their success. Discover what makes Nanima stand out as a unique dining and restaurant experience in Brighton in this insightful conversation with the founders.

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Manju

In our interview, we have the privilege of speaking with the formidable Manju, who realised her lifelong dream by establishing her own vegetarian Indian restaurant in Brighton. Specialising in the vibrant flavours of the Gujarat region of India, Manju crafts a diverse and entirely vegetarian menu. From delightful thalis to sharing plates and creatively reimagined street food classics.

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Navigating a World That Isn’t Always Peanut-Free, Chloe Dickson

Brighton native Chloe Dickson, who lives with severe peanut allergy and airborne anaphylaxis, shares the daily challenges she faces — from social anxiety to workplace barriers. Highlighting her journey at Moksha Café, she emphasises the importance of being aware, informed, and prepared: one of the few places offering a true “Peanut Free Zone,” supported by signage and a team that understands how to keep her safe.

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Suppliers to Hospitality

Meet Ty from Recorra

We sit down with Ty Lawrence-Lamarca, sustainability consultant at Recorra, to discuss the importance of recycling awareness and responsible waste management in hospitality. Ty leads engagement activities—from workshops to awareness stands—helping venues and individuals understand recycling procedures and their environmental impact. Passionate about education and practical change, she works closely with hospitality businesses to improve sustainability efforts. In this interview, Ty shares insights on common recycling mistakes, industry challenges, and how small, informed changes can make a big difference. Other articles: Smarter Food Waste

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Madeleine, Good Life Coaching

As part of our Women in Hospitality series, we meet Madeleine Geach from The Good Life Coaching, a respected leader and coach working closely with restaurant founders and teams across the industry. With years of experience in fast-paced hospitality environments, Madeleine now focuses on helping people step back, reflect, and lead with more clarity and confidence. In this interview, we explore her journey, the challenges of leadership in hospitality, and why creating space to think might be one of the most valuable tools in such a demanding industry.

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Claudia from Shift

We meet Claudia Spichtig, founder of sustainable workwear brand WEAR SHIFT, after her appearance at the upcoming Sustainability Workshop with Restaurants Brighton and the University of Brighton. In this inspiring interview, Claudia shares how frustration with synthetic uniforms sparked a purpose-led business. From natural materials to practical advice, she’s reshaping how hospitality thinks about what we wear to work.

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Meet Harriet Dean-Orange, from Harriet’s of Hove

In an industry where waste is often viewed as an unavoidable byproduct, Harriet Dean-Orange is proving that the future of Brighton hospitality is circular. We sat down with the founder of Harriet’s of Hove to discuss e-cargo bikes, “honkingly good” eco-cleaning, and why sustainability is the best marketing tool a restaurant can have. Harriet’s are currently supplying over 30 businesses in Brighton and Hove and are looking to grow this impact throughout 2026. Related article – Harriet’s of Hove, The Local Circular Choice.

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Neon from Alliance

Neon Whittaker represents Alliance, a leading supplier of non-food catering equipment in the UK and Ireland. In her role, Neon collaborates with Brighton restaurant customers to help them select the best products at competitive prices. Alliance is distinguished by its vast range of high-quality products and a customer-centric approach that prioritises service excellence. Neon shares insights into how Alliance consistently meets the needs of the hospitality industry, earning its reputation as a trusted partner through reliability, innovation, and dedication to customer satisfaction. Related articles: Tableware trends.

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Meet Hayley from UBER

We catch up with Hayley from Uber to talk about what makes Brighton such a fantastic place to work, why she loves being part of Brighton’s BRAVOs, and her thoughts on the city’s vibrant hospitality scene. She also reveals her top takeaway pick, and it’s a great one – Yeastie Boys!

From the energy of the local food scene to the sense of community, Hayley shares what makes Brighton special and why she’s proud to support its hospitality industry.

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Meet Georgia from Goldstone Rum

A newly established family-run distillery in Henfield, Sussex. Georgina and John share insights into their unique approach to crafting rum. Launched in December 2022, Goldstone Rum distinguishes itself by adhering to traditional methods and stands as one of the few distilleries in the UK that produces rum from scratch. The couple believes in making rum the proper way, fermenting a blend of sugar cane juice, jaggery, panela, and molasses to create their award-winning spirits.

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Helen from The Secret Vineyard

In our interview with Helen Soudain from The Secret Vineyard, we explore her extensive background in the Sussex wine industry and the tranquil presence of her sister Vicky.

Together, they champion a unique, sustainable approach to winemaking in their Sussex vineyard.

Discover the secrets behind their vineyard’s exceptional offerings and their dedication to sustainability and quality.

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Ellen Richardson Photography

In her interview it is wonderful to hear about Ellen‘s passion for the vibrant tapestry of Brighton restaurants. Moving to the city in 2018, she has become obsessed with exploring and understanding the ever-changing and evolving hospitality landscape. Her Brighton food photographer role allows her a glimpse behind the scenes, appreciating the dedicated work that goes into making each food business unique and special.

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Alice C Doyle, Sustainability Consultant

Meet Alice C Doyle, an environmental and sustainability consultant working across a range of industries, including hospitality. Alice focuses on integrating environmental protection into business strategies while balancing profitability and sustainability. Her approach ensures that businesses not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute positively to the well-being of the community, society, and the planet. Alice’s work plays a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly practices, making sustainability a core business value rather than a temporary trend.

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Jenny Engvall, Fika Bakery

We meet Jenny Engvall, the founder of Fika Bakery Ltd., the newest addition to Brighton & Hove’s wholesale and retail bakery scene. Fika Bakery specialises in authentic Swedish baked goods, offering a delightful array of artisan treats to cafés across Brighton and surrounding Sussex villages. Their standout offerings include traditional cinnamon buns, cardamom buns, and vanilla buns, all handcrafted to bring the warm, comforting flavours of Sweden to the local community.

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Meet Sybille from Elemental Architecture

We sit down with Jeremy Diaper and Sybille Haefliger, architects at Elemental Architecture & Design Ltd., to explore their influential work in hospitality architecture. With a rich history of collaborations with notable Sussex brands such as Furna, Cin Cin, Good Noise, Designs Woodcraft, and the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, their expertise has shaped many acclaimed venues. Discover their thoughts on the ideal next project, their globe-trotting adventures, and what makes their approach to hospitality design unique.

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Diana Palmer, The Kemptown Project

Diana serves as the co-owner of Kemptown Project, overseeing three of Brighton’s beloved dining establishments. Operating the renowned Redroaster cafe during the day and transforming it into the acclaimed Lucky Khao restaurant at night, they also manage the well-regarded Lucky Beach situated along the seafront. Additionally, they specialise in importing, roasting, packaging, and retailing fairtrade and organic coffee .

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Verity Cowling, The Cheese Hut

We meet Verity Cowling, who runs The Cheese Hut at Basin Road in Brighton, part of the renowned business alongside The Cheese Man, owned by Tony Cowling. The Cheese Hut is a treasure trove for cheese lovers, stocking over 120 artisan cheeses from Sussex and across Great Britain. Verity shares her story of joining the family business and highlights some of their best-selling cheeses, including the velvety Sussex Brie and the bold, flavourful Brighton Blue, which have become favourites among locals.

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Meet Lyndsey from Connected Brighton

Meet Lyndsey Clay, founder of Connected Brighton—a City Concierge service and community network with a mission to bring people together in meaningful ways. Through curated social and business events, Lyndsey champions local hospitality and independent businesses, creating spaces where people can connect authentically. From Brighton food and drink experiences to well-being events and networking sessions, her work helps foster friendship, collaboration, and a deeper sense of belonging in Brighton’s vibrant and supportive local scene.

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Sarah Driver, Rathfinny

Sarah Driver, the proprietor of Rathfinny Wine Estate, boasts an intriguing career trajectory before starting in the Sussex Vineyard business. From solicitor in both the City and Hong Kong, she moved to a role as a dedicated parent to four. During this period, she not only lectured ‘Women Back to Business’ at her local college but also taught Law through the Open University while serving as a Commercial Mediator.

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Weez and Merl

We get to know founders Louise and Merl Thilly from Weez & Merl, a pioneering business focused on recycling waste plastic from Brighton and Hove. Their innovative approach converts recycled materials into homewares, furniture, and sheet material. From tabletops and countertops for local bars and restaurants to branded reusable coasters, Weez & Merl blends practicality with environmental responsibility. Discover more about Louise and Merl’s inspiring journey here.

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