Growing up in pubs up until the age of 15 and working with my Mother & Father (Kay & Colin Knowles), therefore working since the age of 5, I have always had work ethics since the beginning – I even had my own car washing business in one of the pubs carparks at the age of 8 years old!
From studying catering at Loughborough College between 2010-2012, to now with 13 years (now 28yrs old) in the industry, I have seen my fair share.
I started Ben’s Kitchen back in 2015 at the Groby Ex-Servicemens club and after just over 3 years, I made the move to Kirby Muxloe Golf Club. This venue was where the magic really started to happen!
Quick lunches, breakfast, steaks, burgers and functions all contributed to the name, but the Carvery was really where we made the name!
With averaging 250 covers and turning away an additional 100 guests every Sunday, it certainly kept us busy!
Almost 2 years later, covid strook! But that didn’t stop us, with the help of donations from the general public, the team and I distributed over 7000 meals to the LRI, Leicester General, Glenfield Hospital & those in need. At the same time, you may remember the supermarkets struggling to keep up with keeping the shelves stocked up! With the help of a van & a member of my team, I distributed just shy of 1000 ‘community boxes’ to the vulnerable & people in isolation.
How did the business continue?
The best Sunday Lunch in Leicester was delivered through Leicestershire every Sunday along with fresh fish n chips, homemade beef burgers and even a drive thru kept us even more busy! Afternoon Teas & Grazing Platter’s also travelled far and wide!
Catering
I started up a catering company back in 2020, catering for ANY occasion, fine or simple, small or large. Thanks to this, it ensured a steady cash flow during the uncertain times and now, I have since catered for many events such as weddings, children & adult Birthdays, private dining, BBQ’s, which are all available in any venue/location.
From corporate catering for two people, birthdays & weddings for 200+ guests and events such as the Geary’s Bakery BBQ for 120 guests & The Victory Air show for 850 guests. We really can cater for ANY occasion, anywhere!
In addition, I now have a beautiful restaurant venue which again, can cater for ANY occasion, based in the beautiful countryside of Snarestone. The Old Crown Inn offers a venue to hire up to 160 guests and a beer garden with a capacity of 250, we’ve got you covered.
New home
Finally, after one working mens club, 2 golf clubs and a catering unit, I arrived at The Old Crown Inn offering a wide array of services!
Light Lunch
Pub Grub
Specials
Tapas Tuesday
Sunday Lunch
Around the world with Ben’s Kitchen.
@benskitchen
