After ten years cooking for the rich and famous, it was North Cornwall’s rugged beauty and fabulous local produce that lured Sian Reid away from the mountains, lakes and beaches of Europe to create Stan’s Pantry.
But then the desire to run her own business producing feel good food to make people happy was always on the cards. “I started as a pot washer at 13 in my parent’s busy pub kitchen,” says Sian. “That gave me a great work ethic and I was inspired by the chefs who came to work with us from all over the world. That’s where my eclectic taste and passion for food was born.”
Following university Sian trained at the prestigious Leith’s School of Food and Wine in London. She says: “Leith’s opened my eyes to the idea of combining my love for travel and adventure with a career. I started as a chalet chef in a ski resort and worked my way through the ranks to become a private chef in some of the world’s most beautiful homes.” When she wasn’t working abroad she took placements with top London caterers and eateries to advance her presentation skills and repertoire. Then she completed a second stint at Leith’s studying advance nutrition and special dietary requirements. “I want to make sure I can produce fantastically delicious food for everyone and anyone, whatever their wants, likes and needs. No-one should have to compromise on taste.”
And Stan’s Pantry is all about taste. Having supplied nutrition packed salad boxes, wraps with a twist and scrumptious sandwiches to Porthcothan Bay Stores on the North Cornwall coast the service is now expanding. From autumn/winter 2017/18 Stan’s Pantry also provides a bespoke, year round catering experience. Choose from a beautifully prepared meal dropped off at your house or holiday home for you to heat yourself to a full in-house friendly chef service for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.