30/10/2016
Well it's Sunday 30th October 2016.......
I woke up earlier this morning, not that excited feeling like its Christmas Day or that I am off on holiday, it's a strange feeling and yes I have already cried!
Eleven years we have lived and ran Relish restaurant, don't get me wrong it hasn't been easy but as I look around this morning and I think of everything we have achieved. The restaurant is stunning, yes I am biased, I wonder how many glasses of wine I have served, how many times I have carried tables to set up for service, how many glasses I have washed, how many glasses I have drank (it's training you understand) .......I could do this exercise all day,
I have just washed up our late night supper plates, those in the industry will understand the unhealthy way hospitality staff live, eating at all the wrong times and normally the wrong stuff, I promise few of us enjoy the wonderful dishes typed on the menu.
Jeremy's chef jacket has just been ironed for the last time here....
So why am I writing today?
Most of you will know that there has been an issue raised with the council and which I am confident with the overwhelming support from our customers we could resolve, I like to think of myself as a strong woman who is more than prepared to take on and cope with anything.
For some reason opening the letter from Mr Burrows on 3rd October , ironically he is titled as Enforcement officer of Growth and Localism, it had a very unusual effect on me. For three unsettling weeks I wrote, phoned, emailed and chased - he was on holiday which I accepted, but the burden and worry of the letter became so heavy and it was obviously having an unusual effect on my mental health, some may call it a break down, I don't know what I call it.....
So again why am I writing?
Mr Burrows, there are people's feelings behind your letters, people are on the receiving ends of your words, whether they are home owners investing savings into the loved homes, whether like us they are small businesses trying their hardest to balance the books and try to remain current in a very difficult industry. I would strongly suggest in the future you take a different approach before posting the letter referring to issues that, some, are over 9 years old, communicate, visit the people and reassure them that although regulations are there to ensure the benefit of historic properties and surrounding areas there are ways issues can be resolved with consideration of everyone - after discussing this with many people it seems it's not personal and your letters have dropped and effected many others.
So with a fully booked restaurant for lunch today and this evening for our pizza oven I will do what I always do, even when we have been under pressure, sad or ill, we are self employed business owners and I will slap on some makeup which will mask my worries and tears (waterproof mascara) will smile and celebrate how so many wonderful friends and customers have booked in today to come and enjoy their last experience with us
I will thank them graciously, some I may even embrace, yes they will see my cry but I think that's ok
We love the industry and have been given a wonderful opportunity to join a lovely, independent family business in Wells next the Sea and I know it will be very successful and we will create more memories for ourselves and customers, we will meet new people and find new friendships. We will keep Facebook and our website updated as to where we are and how we are getting along and for those who love the North Norfolk coast we truly hope we will meet again.
So for those who came to Relish as customers and left as our friends
We want to thank you for all your support over the years
Thank you
Rachael and Jeremy
Kennedy, Kaya and Marlie
