Christine Venning - Chrissy’s Kitchen

The business has become very successful as her reputation for delicious meals and excellent service has grownand now she is looking to expand.  

Christine first moved to Weir Quay when she was two and has lived in the area ever since apart from a four year gap when studying for her BSc in Food Hospitality Management at Seale Hayne. She describes herself as a local girl who has always felt part of a close knit community. One day when visiting her grandmother she was appalled at the quality of ready meals that were served and felt certain that she could improve on the mass produced, convenience meals available. She had firsthand experience as a chef and had worked for many years at a secondary school, so she decided to explore the demand for “meals on wheels”. Christine carried out some market research and discovered that for many vulnerable people a healthy, balanced fresh meal was not an option.

At this time Christine fell pregnant and became more determined to become her own boss. She used some of her maternity pay to upgrade her kitchen and began devising meals that were fresh, healthy and tasty with a traditional British flavour in line with her customer research feedback. She became self employed in 2013, preparing her meals at home on the same day as delivery to households on the Bere Peninsular and despite the pressure of preparing 28 meals twice a week she loves the job and is hoping to take her business into a wider area. “I just wanted to improve the diet for some of our most valued members of the community and I feel humble to think I make a small positive difference”

From September when her son, Thomas starts school, Christine is hoping to deliver her meals four days a week and is considering employing staff to help with deliveries although she loves the personal interaction with her customers and has grown very close to many of them. Christine explains that there is never enough time to stop for very long but she will often serve up the meals and check that everything is as it should be.

Christine offers a choice of menu and caters for individual needs where possible, she buys her meat through Downings butchers and the fruit and vegetables from Continental Fruit in Tavistock. She has a 5 star hygiene rating and is now registered with Devon County Council and TASS who recommend her as a supplier of meals for the elderly. “I wanted to make honest meals that I would eat myself” she tells me and judging by her glowing feedback I’d say she’s done just that.

For more information you can phone Christine on 01822 841603, follow her on facebook, or email at chrissyskitchen@hotmail.co.uk