Just how your mama made it – but with a difference

Based in Lonehill and owned and run by Margie Knight, a trained and qualified chef, she has major culinary achievements under her belt which included being the private chef for Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Lady Camilla, and the Oppenheimer family.

The Secret Kitchen grew from a dream to an overnight success, and focuses on building and sustaining close relationships with their clients. Whether it be canapés, high teas, champagne breakfasts, 21st birthday parties or the home-cooked meal, The Secret Kitchen provides their clients with a personal touch.

Knight believes this is what makes them a successful small business and different from the rest. “We stay small and personal. When companies get too big they lose that touch, your clients become another number,” she said.

Knight’s journey into the food world began at a young age. “From the age of 11, I remember my mum asking what I wanted to be when I grew up, to which I clearly remember saying I wanted to be a chef. I am now 34 years old and I am so excited to see what the future continues to hold for us,” she said.

“We are just so grateful for this privilege of being able to do something like this.”

After moving to South Africa from England, while Knight was house sitting for a friend, she began to make plans to start her own catering company. “I saw a gap in the market, there wasn’t a service that provided a niche, overall experience and, more especially, providing home-cooked meals with a twist.”

She noted that up-and-coming entrepreneurs wanting to break into the catering industry need to remain flexible with their clients. “Put yourself in their shoes and think what would make you happy when asking for a culinary experience,” she said.

Being traditional but with flair is the key to the culinary business, said Knight, “For example, cottage pie topped with mashed sweet potato and butternut or cauliflower puree instead of normal mashed potato, are some of the small but unique things you can do.

“It must feel like you’re cooking for your family, not clients. Despite any budgetary restrictions, always use fresh and the best ingredients money can buy,” she added.

Details: Margie Knight 079 7045 926 or Janine Briner 082 4900 443.

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