When the Covid lockdowns put the brakes on many local businesses, one couple decided to use their background in hospitality to launch their first business venture.
Whiterock man Gary, 37, first met Sarah, 38 and a native of Comber, when they both worked at The Poacher’s Pocket in Lisbane, near Killinchy. "Sarah left hospitality seven years ago so we became like passing ships in the night. I've always loved baking and The Poacher’s Pocket has its own deli, The Poacher's Pantry, which was still in operation during lockdown, so at least we were able to keep that side of things going."
"Everything in our fridge is sourced from the island of Ireland and we really love that ethos and as I say, I've worked with a lot of these food producers previously anyway. Gary is producing his own range of inhouse gastropub ‘grab and go’ ready meals, which includes mains, desserts and sauces, again all made using local ingredients.