A former P&O Ferries chef, who lost his job during the company’s infamous mass sacking, has formed his own company and taken over the catering at a prestigious Westgate sporting venue.
David Elvey, 39, who lives in Margate, had Dave’s Only Food and Sauces up and running by the end of 2023. He took over the restaurant in The Clubhouse at The Westgate and Birchington Golf Club, in Canterbury Road, Westgate, earlier this year. Now a few months into the venture, Dave is pleased to be back in a restaurant kitchen where he belongs, but says he’s been surprised by the number of people who mistakenly think his new place of work is only open to golf club members.
The married father-of-one, who’s Head Chef as well as owner of the company, explained how his journey into the world of catering began: “I liked cooking food for people when I was young. I remember when I’d been off school sick and my mum said she knew I was better and ready to go back to school when I started making cakes! I used to like making chocolate tiffin. Then when I was a bit older I would make meals like spaghetti bolognaise for my family. When I was thinking about my future career, a chef seemed like the obvious choice.”
When he was 16, Dave started a City & Guilds NVQ course in Catering and Hospitality at what was then Thanet College. The course was run in collaboration with P&O and once he completed it he was employed as a chef by the ferry company. He remained there for over 20 years, working his way up to the position of Head Chef.
Dave said: “I like making good quality food and seeing people enjoy the food I’ve made. I also like helping people to see that they can enjoy better food without spending a fortune. Let’s say someone’s eaten risotto all their lives, maybe shop bought ones, ones they’ve made themselves at home, or ones they’ve had in other restaurants. That person might think risotto is ‘nice’ but when they try a risotto I’ve made from scratch – using fresh, good quality ingredients, herbs or spices, and just the right amount of seasoning – they’ll realise there’s better food out there than they’ve been used to eating.
“In relation to that, I suppose one of the few frustrating things about being a chef is trying to convey to people that you don’t just whip a dish up in 30 seconds after they order it; it can take hours of prep work and skill to make. And we will have ordered all the ingredients several days earlier, to allow for delivery and preparation.
“There have been times throughout my career when people have seen, and ordered from, a menu in advance and then are surprised when, on the day, you don’t have something completely different available and ready for them to eat. Braised steak, for example, takes four hours to cook. If you’ve ordered something different for your private function or your staff Christmas meal, you can’t just decide on the day that you’d like the braised steak instead! We cook for the number of people that have ordered.”
P&O sackings
On Thursday, March 17, 2022, P&O Ferries made headlines around the world when it sacked almost 800 of its UK shipping workers on the spot. Dave was one of those workers. After devoting 20 years of his life to the company, including working on the frontline throughout the entire Covid-19 pandemic, which meant isolating from his pregnant wife during his time off, he was dismissed with no consultation and no notice period. Dave admits the whole experience left him feeling “deflated” but he knew exactly what he wanted to do next.
He said: “I knew after I lost my previous job that I wanted to start my own business. I’ve been in the catering business for so long. I’ve seen people come and go throughout my career, and new management always want to change the way you do things. When they suggest a ‘new’ way of doing things, and you tell them we tried that 10 years ago and it didn’t work, they insist on doing it anyway. And they eventually find out that you were right and it doesn’t work! I know what works and what doesn’t so I wanted to start my own business and do things I know will work.”
Only Food and Sauces
The initial intention was to have a trailer providing food at various locations in Thanet as well as catering for events. As a long-time Only Fools and Horses fan, Dave (not Rodney!) even envisioned a time when his company might expand to have multiple trailers, each named after a different character from the popular BBC sitcom.
Throughout 2023, Dave set about simultaneously completing “the paperwork side of things” while also installing professional catering equipment in his newly purchased trailer and contacting various landowners. By the end of the year, Dave’s Only Food and Sauces had fed customers at a number of public and private events as well as securing a regular match day spot at Woodnesborough Football Club’s ground near Sandwich.
Dave is continuing to serve hot food at the Woodies’ ground, even after taking on his new venture. He explained that he’s been impressed by the friendly atmosphere at Woodnesborough FC and the way the club welcomes all lovers of the sport, rather than just fans of the two teams playing on any particular day.
As Dave continued to explore more regular work, he heard about an opportunity at The Westgate and Birchington Golf Club. By Thursday, February 1 this year he had taken over management of the golf club’s restaurant, kitchen, and the Half Way House on the golf course, employing friend and former colleague Steve Rogers as sous chef as well as a small team of front of house staff.
He said: “I felt it would be a good opportunity to expand the business and make something of both the restaurant and my company. After the period of deflation after what P&O did to us it feels good to be back in the kitchen, doing what I know and what I’m good at.
“When I’ve been telling people about taking over the restaurant, I’ve been surprised by how many people assume it’s only for members of the golf club. I’ve spoken to people who’ve lived in Thanet, even Westgate, their whole lives and didn’t realise they could pop in to the golf club for a breakfast or for lunch.
“We’re open to everyone. If you’re travelling a distance, or the meal is for a special occasion, I would recommend giving us a call first because we do sometimes close for private functions. But when we’re open we accept walk-ins, or people can book if they prefer, to ensure they get a table.
“Of course a lot of our customers are golfers. We have men’s and ladies’ teams with players of all ages – we recently had the pleasure of helping one member celebrate his 100th birthday here! But we also have families coming in to eat and we’ll be holding a family friendly charity fundraising day soon, and doing outdoor events using my trailer while the football season is off.
“I’ve created my own menu and I enjoy introducing people to new food they haven’t tried before, as well as providing good quality versions of classic dishes. I believe we’re one of only two places in Thanet that does a steak breakfast. Ours consists of sirloin steak with a choice of chips, hash brown, or homemade bubble and squeak, served with mushrooms, tomatoes and two fried eggs. You can add extras if you wish, at a cost.
“We also cater for private functions, for both members and non-members. Because Steve and I are both fully qualified, classically trained chefs, we can tailor the catering to the customers’ needs and desires. A lot of restaurants will have a set menu for people to choose from for events. But with us we can cook pretty much anything, within reason. I’m not an expert, for example, in Asian cuisine so I’m not going to be able to do a buffet of 20 different types of authentic Indian curry. But if someone came to me and said they would like lobster thermidor, coq au vin, or braised steak, then we can do that for them, homemade.”
Visit the Clubhouse
Dave’s Only Food and Sauces serves food at The Clubhouse at The Westgate and Birchington Golf Club from 7.30am to 3pm, seven days a week. Walk-ins are welcome, or to check availability or book call 01843 831115 and select option 3. Private functions can be booked for outside the normal hours.
The Clubhouse is open to both members and non-members of The Westgate and Birchington Golf Club, however, members receive a discount. To find out about becoming a member visit https://westgate-and-birchington-golfclub.co.uk/club-membership/ or pop in and speak to a member of staff.
The club has a free car park for visitors but it can become busy so they recommend allowing adequate time for parking. There is also free on-street parking and a bus stop nearby.
To enquire about catering for a private function at The Westgate and Birchington Golf Club, contact Dave Elvey by email – [email protected]