I am a passionate foodie fanatic and enjoy everything about food, wine and gardening! I have always loved cooking and entertaining and have been told on numerous occasions that I should take it up professionally. But the thought of being trapped in an overly busy kitchen, sweating over hot stoves and cooking for people I do not meet does not appeal. I am at my happiest when cooking for friends and family from my kitchen at home and I entertain frequently, always trying to impress and wow my guests with delicious seasonal menus.

I’m a self-taught home cook, obsessed with cookery books and food programmes. I have fond memories of the TV programme MasterChef, hosted by Lloyd Grossman, first starting in 1993 and collected the whole series of magazines which were published at the time listing all the menus – I still use them and I’ve been hooked ever since!

The name Second-Helpings was born when I took a roasted tomato, parmesan and basil quiche into work one day and every one asked for seconds; it seemed like an ideal name for a catering business and everyone agreed – thank you to Deb (my ex-boss) who came up with the name!

We are set in the ancient village of Lingfield, in the heart of Surrey. We are surrounded by the most beautiful countryside with many local amenities, including Lingfield Park all-weather racecourse, Hever Castle and Ashdown Forest. We have a large, light and contemporary dining area which seats 10 comfortably (12 with elbows in) and more if you go buffet style! When the weather is kind we make full use of our areas outside and encourage guests to explore our beautiful garden, which we are constantly aiming to perfect!