The Rhubarb Kitchen

25/09/2024

Here’s our lovely Davey.

Smiley (mostly). He can be prone to slight grumpiness but he does get up VERY early and travel a LONG way to serve us in sunny Wirksworth.

I know Dave quite well now as he supplies all of our meat for our events (and we only get the best compliments because we know where it’s from) and he’s always helpful, refuses meat if he doesn’t feel it’s good enough and he can work a meat slicer like nothing you’ve ever seen 👀

One thing I want to know is. What would he look like without that beard and would he look like a fairly tall young college student? 🤔

16/09/2024

OK so forget the swipe.

It’s bloody annoying all this resizing of graphics on canva!

And you’re probably scrolling and there’s no singing cats or dogs and so what’s the point in reading?

Here’s the why. I’ll keep it brief (no I won’t) 🙄

Well, if you’re a small business owner, it’s tough. No one can prepare you for ALL the tasks you have to do. You’re juggling a million things and I can honestly say we have had in the space of a year only ONE, yes ONE booking with no dietary requirements, menu changes, lifestyle diet requests and of course very serious allergies to work around.

This is hard on so many levels and it’s serious stuff, especially when you’re juggling all the balls and trying to do normal family stuff.

So posting about one of our fave local suppliers IS important.

Why? Because we know where the food has come from?

Why? Because it tastes better

Why? Because if you book with Rhubarb, you also support Winster.

AND, they are the most helpful, friendly, smiley, happy bunch of people.

Long post. Needed to be said.

Finally, book us. We’ve got families to feed 😊

Oh, and we’re good 👍🏻

30/08/2024

Not food related. Sorry, not sorry.

These two ♥️

Oscar being offered a well deserved place at Derby College to study Business (despite endless lectures of him not being good enough to succeed in education) and Will finding out he’s got a place in the team to go to Sweden next year and play for his club at the Gothia Cup.

They’ve both overcome many hurdles and the journey has not been easy, but their dedication to keep pushing on makes me realise how strong they are and how far they’ve come.

Boys, your Dad and I couldn’t be more proud.

You have the whole world ahead of you and we’ll be here to stand by your side when you need it, fight for you when you’re tired, and lend an ear to listen when things get a bit much.

Keep going 😉

14/08/2024

We reckon summer will finally reach us in September and see us through to late October (she types hopefully 😎)

So if you've been putting off having the most fabulous of fabulous parties, then get in touch with us here at The Rhubarb Kitchen.

From table settings, to menu design and print, to the most fabulous photos (including drone footage) to designing YOUR perfect menu to taking care of all of your guests, we've got it all under control.

If you're going to do it, do it in style.

Treat yourself, drink the champagne, dance like no one is watching and enjoy yourself.

After the last few years of chaos, every little moment is precious ♥️



Credit : Averill Photography

10/08/2024

On Friday, we said farewell to one of the most interesting, kind hearted, live life to the fullest lady I think I've ever had the pleasure to meet

A huge, larger than life character who could always find the positive, and who knew what she wanted

Of course, it was a sad day, but also a celebration of this amazing person who was always full of surprises 🤗

The menu (as I always say) was important, but my own personal nod to this lovely lady were the teeny tiny wicker baskets filled with chocolate hearts

It is part of her legacy and was a huge part of her life

I also once bought her a stuffed mouse sitting on an original pull chain loo, reading the paper because I knew she'd love it

That's life. You meet the most fascinating people and they leave a part of them with you, memories

And THAT is why, at Rhubarb Kitchen, we will always strive to make whatever gathering, in whatever circumstances as special and personal as we can

Thank you to Steve and the lovely ladies at The Rising Sun who helped us set up - we really appreciated it ♥️♥️

10/08/2024

On Friday, we said farewell to one of the most interesting, kind hearted, live life to the fullest lady I think I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

A huge, larger than life character who could always find the positive, and who knew what she wanted. Of course, it was a sad day, but also a celebration of this amazing person who was always full of surprises ☀️

The menu (as I always say) was important, but my own personal nod to this lovely lady were the teeny tiny wicker baskets filled with chocolate hearts.

It is part of her legacy and was a huge part of her life.

I also once bought her a stuffed mouse sitting on an original pull chain loo, reading the paper because I knew she’d love it.

That’s life. You meet the most fascinating people and they leave a part of them with you, memories.

And THAT is why, at Rhubarb Kitchen, we will always strive to make whatever gathering, in whatever circumstances as special and personal as we can.

Thank you to Steve and the lovely ladies at The Rising Sun who helped us set up - we really appreciated it ♥️♥️

02/08/2024

As “caterers” (such an underwhelming description) we’re supposed to show you the just the food, right?

Well, yes. That is the whole point.

Kind of.

Quite often, our heads are stuck in food combinations, a strong mix of textures, flavours, colours, the amount of food (!), how guests will eat it, dietaries (we now have hardly any clients without dietary needs) and how we properly look after those guests and a whole heap of planning sheets around organisation and timings.

The thing to note here is I could show reel after reel of food, with some kind of nod to the occasion and a bland description, but the thing is, every, single one of our creations are unique.

We listen, we take notes, we visit venues to plan ahead, we think of little extras, we smile.

We are extremely fortunate to be asked to work for our clients, because in doing so, they are trusting us to not only get it right, but make it better than they imagined.

28/07/2024

This was 2020. The opening of a brand new kitchen and the start of something amazing.

2 years after the most awful year of years. My family, shattered.

I never thought I'd smile again, or have hope, laugh, or remember how to enjoy myself.

Fast forward 4 years and from a few scones and a desire to cheer up a few people with my cooking, to a business that is thriving, brings life and soul to the party and I sometimes can't believe I made it.

There have been lots of ups and equally as many downs, but I have realised, I can keep on getting kicked, but I WILL get up again.

For everyone who's feeling like they're not enough, or feeling sad, I see you. And I get it.

And I will always, always be ready to listen, make tea (a hug in a mug) Chloe Lucking and something nice to eat.

To all the wonderful people I've met on this journey, it's been a blast.

To the people who have stood by my side, wiped my tears, laughed so hard we nearly did a little wee, thank you.

Just a little Sunday reflection.

Keep on doing you. Cos you are most definitely enough ♥️♥️

The Rhubarb Kitchen is a joyful place, full of creative and delicious home-cooked savouries, puddings and desserts, all with bags of flavour. Nostalgia plays a huge part in our creations and we sincerely hope whatever you order, brings a smile to your face!

09/07/2024

Still so much ♥️ for this.

A surprise party for the fantastic people of Hannage Brook Medical Centre, hosted by The Rhubarb Kitchen and attended by some of Wirksworth’s fab local community.

I always say it but Wirksworth, where Rhubarb HQ is based is so lucky to have such an amazing surgery. All of the team are so friendly, helpful and kind. We knew we just had to give back, do something for those that give so selflessly to others every day.

So we made some lovely food, raised a toast, heard some fab speeches and thanks and had a laugh and some hugs.

We also were very lucky to see Theresa, who was nearing the end of her time as High Sheriff, and who presented the Surgery with an award for their commitment to the community. Doesn’t she just look so amazing?

In everything we do, our main aim is to make people feel special, cared for, looked after and fed well. The memories are equal to the food, always ♥️

And I think we all had a great time that evening.

So here’s a big cheers to Hannage Brook and to all of our amazing clients who we work super hard to create memories for and to Lynn and the team for helping me make it happen ♥️

07/07/2024

🌟 QUESTION 🌟

How much do you really know about the catering company you choose to take care of your most important celebration?

Some of the most important things to consider/ ask:

☝️What is your food hygiene rating?

🍕How will you safeguard my guests against eating something they might have an allergy to?

📃 Do you have sufficient insurance to cover any incidents or accidents that might happen during the event?

📕Have the team been trained to Level 2 food safety hygiene qualification and allergens awareness as there are now stringent rules around protecting customers by giving them the knowledge they need to know if they can eat a certain food or not!

Choosing someone to look after your party is so much more than cost. It's about safety, planning, organising and protection. This is why we label all of our food to remove the guesswork and to keep guests safe.

Please remember to ask before you book, and remember, cheapest doesn't always mean best OR safest! 💵💰💸

There is SO much time and investment in food knowledge, training and briefings and in most cases, that is what you are paying for. Our business is so much more than JUST the cost of the ingredients!


S

08/06/2024

This boy of mine, about to turn 16, who has overcome so much in his life, and transformed his mindset completely, achieved yet another goal yesterday. When these things happen, my heart could literally burst.
Because he’s a fighter.
Because he believes in himself.
And I never did. ♥️
*Bring on obligatory shouting (sorry, not sorry)

04/06/2024

Let’s be honest…

Why throw a party for your big birthday but not actually have time to mingle with your guests!

Leave it to The Rhubarb Kitchen to go above and beyond to make your day extra special, leaving you to enjoy your night, with no stress and most importantly… no mess!

Sound good? Send us a message or email today on [email protected]

31/05/2024

* YEARS IN THE MAKING.

* A STORY OF GRIT, DETERMINATION, LAUGHTER, COMMUNITY SPIRIT, NOSTALGIA AND A BIT OF SADNESS.

Tomorrow, Wirksworth’s newly completed Skatepark is officially open for all to come and see.

Whilst the town and the project team are very happy to have a new skatepark, sadly we lost one of our key volunteers who has been an integral part of the skate community in Wirksworth for the last two decades.

Josh Stockell sadly passed away in February following a short illness.

Josh worked tirelessly to maintain the old wooden skatepark and could often be found raising funds at various events and calling on his circle of friends to support the team.

As a group we are deeply saddened by this loss, and therefore, with the support of his family, have decided to rename the skatepark "The Josh Stockell Community Skatepark."

We look forward to welcoming you to The Josh Stockell Community Skatepark on the 1st of June.

Pop down, see what this new space looks like, have a go, see some pro action, find out what’s coming up, and grab some locally sourced food served by yours truly and Lumsdale Cheesecakes. Feel free to come along any time after 11.30am.

There’s a lot going on in Wirksworth tomorrow with the Saturday market, so whilst you’re here, please come and say hello.

It would mean the world to the team who have worked tirelessly to make this happen ♥️

Head to the main page - Josh Stockwell Community Skatepark for more info!

Here’s a little throw back reminder…

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST AND HELP US REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE! 👏🏻👏🏻

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/jXxzCReDT2ELWpSD/?mibextid=KsPBc6

30/05/2024

Are you getting that Summer feeling? ☀️

We’re throwing it back to one of our events last Summer.

We helped host for our lovely client, Saffron, as she celebrated a milestone birthday with her nearest and dearest.

This impressive event was held in a building that Saffron impressively managed the build of! In the height of Summer, it was the perfect setting for an outdoor spread.

We created a bespoke menu for her and her guests which catered to all taste buds and provided happy faces and full tums all around. Serving 3 courses with a selection of Slow cooked Ox Cheek or Portobello Mushroom Wellington as the show stopper mains! Topped off with macarons from

Thank you to and

Photography, including drone footage:

Take a look at the amazing article wrong by over on our stories.

24/05/2024

Do YOU want to feel like this after your
event? Well DUH!

Drop us a DM for more information on how we can plan your dinner party 🥂

11/05/2024

Our Rhubarbettes are masters of their craft...

Whether you’re tempted by our exotic Mediterranean cuisine, savouring the comfort of those family classics, or exploring the bold flavours of our Indian dinner with friends, let the flavours speak for themselves.

We understand that every event is unique, so we tailor our services to reflect your vision, your theme, your taste and ideas! Whether you crave the comfort of traditional flavours or the excitement of cutting-edge cuisine, we are here to show you how it’s done!

30/04/2024

Just a bit about me.

And some of my favourite businesses.

White Peak Distillery
The Old Dog
The Ashford Arms Ashford in the Water

The Feather Star

I agreed no sweary bits and there wasn’t.

Enjoy the read ♥️

Rhubarb Sweet and Savouries is a catering company specialising in, amongst other things, large parties and gatherings for celebrations either at home