Since former waiter Lee Mitchell took the reins at Taddy’s Barn in Broadstairs three years ago, the venue has helped raise a whopping £33,000 for local causes.
The 45-year-old had worked as a waiter at the tearoom based at East Northdown Garden Nursery when he had the opportunity to buy the business- with a little help from a friend.
It was just the start of a positive new chapter for Lee after twice experiencing homelessness.
The former Charles Dickens student said: “I was born in Thanet but moved away a few times but I always came back.
“The first time I was homeless was when I was 16. Last time (due to personal circumstances) I ended up in temporary accommodation for nine months and then moved to a council property in Margate where I have secured my lifetime tenancy. It was hard and so the first charity I raised funds for was a homelessness one.
“We raised £800 but we, me and an old staff member, also went out on Boxing Day with sleeping bags and bacon sandwiches and gave them out.
“We have raised around £33,000 for local charities. We have a bingo night every month and whoever wins the last game, the charity game, chooses which charity or cause to give it to.”
The bingo nights started with around 10 attendees and now regularly pull in an 80-strong crowd.
The causes vary from £1,100 recently raised for the Pancreatic Cancer charity to £500 for customer Kat Lewis to help kit out her campervan for outings with her autistic son, £352 towards a specialised wheelchair for Minster teenager Jack and funding to help a customer and her husband who had cancer to spend a special night at Abode hotel in Canterbury.
Lee said: “I have always worked in hospitality, at Nobles and Dreamland bingo halls, pubs, chips shops, the Hungry Horse, whatever is hospitality based. I just like people.
“I learned about cooking through my mum and dad and I used to watch the way my previous boss did stuff.
“Because I have anxiety, running Taddy’s is like my social life! I spend all my time here and I love all my customers, I know what they are going to order before they even walk in! For me, it is all about community.
“I tell them. If you are struggling, let me know and we’ll see what can be done. I wear my heart on my sleeve and if I am in a position to help someone I will.”
That help includes hosting wakes at cost because Lee doesn’t “want to profit from someone’s grief,” and numerous small kindnesses to those who ask for a helping hand.
Taddy’s Barn has been thriving and now has seven staff and Lee’s partner Mark, who has just joined the team.
Lee said: “Moving forward I want to offer weddings here at a reduced cost. We have a lovely venue, marquees and stuff to put over the gates to screen it.”
Lee and Mark are due to get married next month and, true to form, the reception will be at Taddy’s with music, champagne and marquees followed by a short honeymoon for Lee, Mark and their two dogs in Rolvenden.
The next bingo night takes place on August 4 from 6pm. People can either book (details below) or just turn up and Lee will find you a spot.
Lee warns “Bingo nights have no etiquette,” so be prepared for anything!
Book through the facebook page here or go to the website here
He is such a lovely man!
Wonderful
Well done Lee 👍
An absolutely fantastic place now. Well done Lee, the amount of work you have both put in is amazing. Your Christmas Day dinner for people on their own is incredible. You are very caring and generous. 👏👏👏
Great to hear positive stories for a change! Well done Lee, the world needs more people like you.
Haven’t been there since the previous owner had it, must check it out.
How’s the nearby Garden Centre looking these days? Last time we went there it looked very neglected and overgrown with weeds.
Regularly attend bingo night which is great fun.
I think Lee is one of the kindest person I have ever met.