Amazing Andre!

Andre was a key member of the English’s family, working his way up to General Manager before he left us 3 years ago to return to his homeland of South Africa.

We’ve been catching up with him, to find out what he’s been up to…

Tell us a bit about yourself Andre, when did you work at English’s, what was your role and what did it entail?

Some of you might remember me, for anyone new, I’m Andre, I worked at English’s of Brighton for more than 11 years (give or take a few) firstly as assistant manager, then restaurant manager then finally General Manager. I am immensely proud of my time spent working at English’s and honestly have nothing but fond memories of the restaurant and its team. I have worked in the catering industry for all my adult life so it is with some confidence that I can say that English’s is a rare find indeed and sadly getting rarer.

Where are you from, what did you study, and where are you now? 

I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and followed the South African dream of the time, which was to travel to the UK, get a job, earn some money and tour across Europe. For most people that takes 1 to 2 years, it took me 23 years and I don’t regret any of it. I started off working my way up in the kitchen as a chef, but after about 7 years I grew tired of never seeing daylight so transferred to front-of-house management. I managed restaurants mostly in the south, including Cornwall, Woking, Guilford and Guernsey.

My final job in the UK was at English’s of Brighton and I am certain I would still be there if it wasn’t for the fact that my family back here in South Africa needed me, so here I am. It has taken me almost 3 years, but I’m finally starting to feel at home here again. Having said that, Hermanus, South Africa, is a magnificently beautiful part of the world to feel unsettled in so I admit that it could have been much worse.

You were very popular with the customers at Englishs’ and I’m sure they would love to hear what you’re up to now, can you tell us more?

Up until recently I have been helping my sister get her Ice Cream shop – YOU SCREAM Ice Cream –  off the ground. It has been a real pleasure learning the art of gelato making from scratch with only the finest, natural ingredients – no powders, flavouring or colourants used here! I am so pleased that the esteemed owner of English’s – Mr Simon Leigh-Jones and his beautiful and charming wife Dionne, stopped by to visit me here and sampled some of our wares last year. It really was such a treat for me and I can’t wait for their next visit!

Three months ago an opportunity came up to start my own little business so I struck out on my own with a little Bagel shop in the centre of Hermanus serving freshly baked bagels filled to order. It’s early days and I can honestly say that the stress of starting and owning my own business is awful, however, I bloody love it, my little shop is tiny, but perfectly formed, I’m starting to build my team to get ready for summer which is crazy here so there is loads to do before the onslaught and I cannot wait!

Any thoughts on what led you to having your business, and thoughts on the future? 

I honestly believe that all my catering experience has culminated in me running my own shop, and, beyond a shadow of a doubt, English’s of Brighton will always be the benchmark to which all my future enterprises will be compared.

Sending all my love and best regards to all the team and customers at English’s of Brighton and there is an Ice Cream at YOU SCREAM Ice Cream and a bagel at Bakgat Bagels for anyone of you when you come and visit sunny South Africa.