Our Inspiration
Finding inspiration from around the world and on our own doorstep
The story behind our food, our trugs and our shared dining style.
My love of food began in my mum’s kitchen, where recipes were a source of inspiration rather than strict instruction. She was an instinctive cook, and she taught me that food doesn’t have to be complicated or formal to matter — it just has to connect with people.
That belief has stayed with me. Some of my most memorable food experiences have come from sharing simple meals with others: Sitting in a night market in Thailand with a bowl of rice noodles in the early hours, being invited to share curry and rice with a family in the hills of central Sri Lanka, or eating injera together in Ethiopia. In northern Ghana, I experienced a culture where food is always offered to others — if someone is eating, people will say “you are invited” and make space for you to share. Sitting in the red dust, eating "Red Red" and fried plantain with strangers who quickly became friends has stayed with me ever since.
Again and again, it has been the simplest food, shared generously, that has left the strongest impression.
That same idea sits at the heart of DOWN-to-EARTH DINING.
Our signature wooden trugs were first handmade by my father for my brother’s wedding, where guests shared a relaxed, picnic-style meal at the table.
We then developed the idea further for our own wedding in 2023, refining both the menus and the way the trugs were used to serve small groups at each table. Guests loved the shared dining style and the sense of connection it created.
Today, that original idea has evolved into what we offer now. We have a collection of 20 handmade wooden trugs, along with three smaller trugs designed especially for top tables at weddings. Each one is used to serve generous, globally inspired menus in a way that feels relaxed, thoughtful and visually striking.
It’s a simple concept, shaped by real experiences and real events — and it continues to guide how we create shared dining experiences today.
From our family to yours
A family-run catering business built around generous food, shared tables and a love of bringing people together.
~ Ceri, Ross, Olly & Nyah ~