A Sutton chef has turned 25 years of experience in catering and his passion for food to launch a new venture.

After being made redundant because of the coronavirus pandemic, Steffan Williams, 41, decided to cook up something for himself by following his love for street food and setting up his own business.

So he created Chef Stef, bespoke outdoor catering tailored for individual private and public events, using fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced locally.

Already Steffan has a busy summer lined-up because he is due to attend a variety of festivals and events across the East Midlands.

He also hopes to cater for private family parties, preparing and cooking in people’s homes or delivering his unique food to their doorsteps. These dine at home could be anything from garden parties to wedding events, birthday parties and more.

“My passion is for using fresh seasonal local produce with an eye for attention to detail,” Steffan explained. “I have a keen interest in the street food trend.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic decimating the catering industry last year, like many others I was furloughed and then made redundant.

“Whilst furloughed I began to plan to develop my passion for street food and decided to set up my own business. I researched a bespoke business plan that would give me the opportunity to follow my dream.

“One year on, I have an established business and a full diary of events until the end of September.

“I have had the fortune of considerable help and support from my family, who have totally backed me all the way.”
Steffan is particularly interested in using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients to create “soul food, comfort food and ‘strEAT’ food with a modern twist”.

He works a lot of his culinary magic from a bespoke-designed trailer, manufactured locally at Bingham Trailers, and has a five-star food hygiene rating from Ashfield District Council.

Steffan’s career in the hospitality industry started as a pot washer at a local pub.

While studying for four years at West Notts College, Steffan said he was lucky to gained work placements in the Michelin-starred 1 Lombard Street restaurant in London, as well as at Winteringham Fields, Scunthorpe; the Dubai Airshow; and Hotel Interlaken, Switzerland.

Working his way up the chef levels, he was eventually head chef at Cockliffe Country House Hotel, Burntstump Country Park; and 4 Wood Street, Mansfield.

In a change of direction, his career then took him into contract catering for business and industry, then private schools.

To find out more about Chef Stef, go to www.chefstefuk.co.uk