About me: The Journey of a Passionate Cook

About Me – The Story Behind Table

Hello there, I’m Krystal, the proud owner and driving force behind Table. My culinary journey is deeply rooted in the warm memories of baking alongside my grandmother. As a little girl, I would eagerly push a yellow stool across her kitchen, keen to reach the countertop and be part of her baking rituals. Those moments were more than just mixing dough; they were the beginnings of a lifelong passion for food.

Her chocolate chip cookies weren’t just treats; they were legends, always ready for anyone who dropped by the farm. I’ll never forget my last birthday with her – she gifted me a cookbook, a homemade apron, a candy thermometer and a cooking magazine subscription. Looking back, it almost feels like she had a glimpse into my future.

My professional life initially led me down a different path, deeply involved in the charity sector as a trained youth worker and office manager. Yet, catering for events and camps remained a beloved hobby. In 2016, the idea of turning this passion into a business started to take shape.

Fast forward to 6th August 2018, Table was officially launched, and by 2019, I had plunged full-time into this exciting venture. It’s been a rollercoaster ride – one that could easily fill the pages of a book, as my friends often suggest.

The Challenges of the Pandemic

The pandemic presented unique challenges, especially as a small business owner who fell through the cracks of government support. But giving up was never an option. I pivoted to food deliveries, focusing on Afternoon Tea boxes – over 840 of them since January – along with Pizza Home Kits and various bespoke orders. Not to mention the 3,512 community meals served during the winter months.

Delivering surprises became a highlight of my days. There was a special kind of magic in convincing bewildered recipients that the unexpected treat at their doorstep was genuinely for them. I’m grateful to the Royal Mail staff who were instrumental in navigating me to some of the more elusive addresses!

Being Out and About During Lockdowns

Being out and about during lockdowns was more than just deliveries for me. I was often the only person some recipients saw for days, and I made it a point to spare a moment for a friendly chat, ensuring they didn’t feel rushed.

Passion for Food

Those early baking sessions and the joy of contributing to celebrations during surreal times made every moment worthwhile. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of food to bring people together, a principle I embraced even during my youth work days.

At Table, we’re all about food that’s not just wholesome, generous and colourful but also inclusive and nourishing. Whether it’s a wedding or a birthday, for 50 or 100, my approach to cooking remains unchanged – full of passion and attention to every detail.

Inclusive Catering for All Dietary Needs

I understand how overwhelming dining out can be for those with food intolerances and I am committed to ensuring that every guest feels included and well taken care of. Often, a slight tweak to a dish is all it takes to accommodate special dietary needs.

A Little More About Me

Beyond the kitchen, my interests are varied and vibrant. Traveling to immerse myself in different cultures, learning new things and practicing yoga for 18 years reflect my curious and active nature. The outdoors, with its open spaces, fresh air, the sea and mountains, always calls to me. I relish a good challenge, thrive on strategy and efficiency and even though I’m an introvert and a thinker at heart, nothing beats a good laugh.

Join Me on This Journey

Join me on this journey at Table, where every dish tells a story and every meal is a celebration of life and shared experiences.

How can I book Table for my event? You can book our services by contacting us through our website or social media channels – Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to making your event a memorable one!