A COVENTRY based chef is aiming to grant his own wish in two weeks time by raising £100,000 to fund a proposed new restaurant.
Paul Foster, a former head chef at Mallory Court hotel in Leamington, will have to reach his target by Monday (March 8) and is banking on the Coventry public to get behind the campaign in return for selection of rewards.
Paul started life as a chef at Henley College in Coventry and landed his first job in a small two rosette restaurant near to Coventry.
From there, Paul has worked in restaurants all over the globe at places including California, Lyon and New York.
His awards include three AA rosettes, achieving top 50 status in the UK’s good food guide and has appeared on hit BBC shows The Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.
Since launching the campaign on Monday (February 8) Paul has already raised over £25,000.
Paul told The Observer that opening his own restaurant is his dream.
He added: “The plan is open up a relaxed restaurant and the money will be used to set up the business and help legal costs and redecoration of our chosen venue.
“Nobody in this world gets something for nothing, you have to put the hard work in and I’m hoping people will back my campaign.
“I’ve already received some amazing support and the people who pledge money will be rewarded handsomely with cookery courses and evening meals provided to those who donate.”
The campaign is being powered by Kickstarter, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects.
Paul aims to open his new restaurant in Leamington – a town he believes is full of food culture and has so much potential.
Paul added: “Those who donate don’t lose their money should the campaign be unsuccessful.
“I am hopeful and do think the £100,000 goal is achievable, I have supporters who are waiting until payday before donating so there’s reason to be positive.
“It’s all about quality for me and I’m flavour driven.
“If opened, the new restaurant will be great for the area and offer some of the county’s rising chefs to land a job working with food from scratch.”
To back Paul’s campaign, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/712997218/fine-dining-restaurant-with-a-relaxed-atmosphere where you can also view his promotional video.
