WHERE IT STARTED
In the darkest days of 2020, when the pandemic had gripped the world, I found myself in a challenging situation. After a decade of working in hospitality, I was suddenly out of a job and struggling to find work. The hospitality industry was all I knew, and I wasn’t ready to give up on my passion.
December 2021 marked a turning point. My partner sent me a text with a bold idea, to transform the neglected caravan parked on our driveway into a coffee wagon. This caravan, which had never seen the open road and was filled with junk, became our beacon of hope. With limited funds and a fierce determination, we cut a hole to create a serving hatch, invested our last savings in a coffee machine and a panini grill, and announced our new venture on local Coventry Facebook groups.
Our announcement for serving pork batches and hot drinks on New Year’s Eve took the community by storm. On our very first day, we were met with queues around the corner. The overwhelming support and excitement confirmed that we were onto something special.
As our popularity soared, we enhanced our menu and gave the caravan a much-needed makeover. However, by July, we faced a major setback when the council denied our planning application. Not ready to give up, we purchased a trailer to continue offering our beloved street food. But deep down, I always dreamt of having a permanent location to share our passion for food.
In 2022, seven months pregnant with my first child, Luca, we stumbled upon 126 Southbank Road on our way to a Sunday lunch. Despite the timing being less than ideal, I instantly fell in love with the site and knew it was perfect for our café. Opening a café while heavily pregnant was a daunting task, but it turned out to be the best decision we ever made.
Kitchen 126 is more than just a café; it’s a community hub where food, friends, and family come together. Our menu specialises in brunch, offering a range of delicious options made with fresh, quality ingredients. We’ve created a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, from young children to loyal canine companions. On Thursday and Friday evenings, our garden transforms into a lively venue for small plates and cocktail nights, providing a unique dining experience under the stars.
As we continue to grow, we’ve expanded our services to include catering. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a family gathering, we bring the same passion and creativity from Kitchen 126 to your special occasions. Our catering menu is tailored to meet the diverse tastes and preferences of our clients, ensuring every event is memorable and delicious. Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Introducing Kitchen at the Courtyard
As we move towards the end of 2024, we are delighted to open Kitchen at the Courtyard! This next step in the Kitchen Group offering offers a relaxed space focused on serving fresh, flavorful lunches. Set in Coventry University, and open all day to students and the general public, it features a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu, with dishes perfect for a casual meal or a quiet break in your day. With a daily changing menu, fresh salad bar and fresh sandwiches made to order. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a moment to yourself, Kitchen at the Courtyard brings the same quality and care you expect from Kitchen Group.