Phoenix Kitchen wholefood takeaway/deli opens in Wiveliscombe

Phoenix Kitchen is a wholefood takeaway/deli run by Justine Comer, who for the last 12 years has run a wholesale cake business called Just Desserts.

During lockdown, Justine started making homity pies and cake selection boxes, and decided to take the next step and open her own takeaway when the shop building was put up for sale.

"I felt like this was my next step, as I do have a passion for wholesome foods," said Justine.

"Wiveliscombe is one of those places where people are looking for something a bit different. Places for good, healthy and wholesome food are few and far between.

"I am excited to open, it is a big step and everybody has high expectations."

Justine has always worked in the food industry and has a vast amount of experience, from working in a Turkish restaurant in New Zealand to working on yatchs.

She also worked in the Castle Hotel in Taunton and worked for food companies that sold cheeses and deli products, and so she felt like opening her own takeaway was the next step.

"We are going to offer big bowls of salads, with red cabbage coleslaw, fresh herb dressings and so on," added Justine.

"We are also selling sourdough bread made by Claire's Kitchen, as well as using many other local suppliers.

"As a small business you want to support other small businesses as you know how important it is to help one another, and it is better of course for food miles."

The suppliers Justine uses include: Braziers Coffee Roasters, Herby4 (juices), Fenton Farm (for eggs), Ridgeway cider, Plum, Duff & Stuff, Wallace's Farm, Thorne's Butchers, West Country Foods and Hawkridge Farmhouse Dairy.

Justine also makes granola and museli, which will be used to make the breakfasts each day.

"For breakfasts, we we will have things like granola and museli, as well as sourdough toast and banana bread," Justine said.

"And for lunch, we will offer things like homity pie, bacon and gruyere quiche, vegan tarts, beetroot, feta and mint sausage rolls, sourdough toasties, buddha bowls and a hot dish of the day.

"This is all completely new to me, but I have just included things I would like to see and what I think people would like."

There was a launch event celebrating the opening of Phoenix Kitchen yesterday afternoon (March 23) and the takeaway is open as normal from today (March 24).

Justine has the help of three part-time members of staff, as well as her son who will work there on Saturdays.

Phoenix Kitchen will be open from 8.30am until 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am until 12.30pm on Saturday.

For more visit facebook.com/food.phoenixkitchen.