Roo’s Kitchen
01/08/2020 — This is the date I became officially self employed! Five years later I’m still winging it and building an empire whilst I’m at it.
I catered my first dinner party in February 2020. Worked hard during Covid making brownie boxes which then lead to afternoon teas and charcuterie boxes. Then in August 2020 making the decision that I could potentially do this.
It’s been a whirlwind over the years, I have faced so many challenges, celebrated so many highs. From starting off as a one man band working from a prep kitchen built at the back of my house. To later on my wife Amy coming on board full time.
To the worries we would face, the unknown if money would come in to pay our joint bills. The sleepless nights. The stress, not being able to take time off because then we wouldn’t get paid
Fast forward to April 2023 when we opened Roos kitchen coffee shop & bistro. Employing people for the first time ever. Learning how to run a business that was more than just trudging away day in day out.
Still Having the stress of trying to make enough to pay staff, pay rent, pay the stock, pay the never ending list of bills and trying to pay our wages
January 2024 we opened our takeaway next door – Roo’s 2 Go. Then making the difficult decision in June 2025 to close it and turn it into a fully functional preparation kitchen now known as taste_of_home_catering_by_roo which is now one of the best decisions we have made
Honestly 5 years ago I would never have thought I would get here. This is what dreams are made from. What I change it? Depends on what day you ask me 
We have the most amazing team, who are all like our family we have the most amazing customers many of which have become friends and we have the best family and family who support us everyday.
Self employment is not for the faint hearted. It affects so many aspects of your life. But it also has positives like getting your name above the door, doing everything for yourself and being your own boss
I’m so thankful for everything we have, that I get to do it with my wife standing beside me.
Who knows what the next 5 years will bring, if we will still be in business. But I’m excited to find out.