My Journey: 30 Years as a Foreigner Running a Pub-Restaurant in the UK
Living as a foreigner in the UK for the past 30 years has been an incredible journey, filled with opportunities and unforgettable experiences. This amazing country has offered me the chance to discover my true passion: catering. For the past 24 years, I have been running my own business, and it has been an extraordinary ride since I started in 2001.
I have loved every minute of it. Of course, there have been difficult times, moments that nearly brought our business to the brink of collapse. Yet, our pubs survived and even thrived through the toughest periods. This resilience was due to our ability to adapt and evolve—changing menus, revising our approach, and continuously seeking new ways to engage our customers. We began as a fine dining restaurant with a tapas bar, transitioned into more of a pub-style tapas bar, and have now found our niche blending both elements. It’s amazing to be part of this evolving journey.
Throughout my 30 years in the pub and restaurant industry, I have met some incredible people. Just today, I was reflecting on the remarkable transformation of individuals who started with us barely speaking English and have now become British citizens or successful business owners with their own properties. Witnessing their growth fills me with immense pride and a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I have played a part in their journeys. It reinforces my mission of helping others develop while simultaneously growing our business.
Running a business can be demanding and sometimes very lonely. Yet, it has been incredibly rewarding. I invite anyone who has worked with us to leave a comment or share their story. Your experiences and memories are a vital part of our journey, and I am deeply grateful for everyone—customers, employees, and suppliers—who has been part of our story.
Despite the stressful times, I have learned so much. I have learned about people, about the catering business, and about myself. With nearly 30 years of experience in pubs and restaurants, I still love what I do. It’s a privilege to be here, to continue growing, and to share this journey with all of you. Thank you for being part of it.
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