A Newport chef who started her own business during the first phase of the Covid pandemic has been voted the best caterer in Wales.
Young entrepreneur Vivienne Read was named Best Caterer at the Best of Welsh Business Awards.
The award is the result of a public vote via social media, and saw Vivienne, 28, pitched against a number of more long-standing Welsh businesses.
Former St Joseph’s RC High School pupil Vivienne launched Chef Read in September 2020, with a catering van based at the Market Site on Usk Way as her first venture – the bright pink van has become hugely popular.
A former chef at the Celtic Manor Resort and the Golden Lion in Magor, mum-of-one Vivienne has since branched out into events catering.
“The awards are voted on by the general public – no one related to me is allowed to vote – so I know it’s my customers who have backed me for this award and I’m so grateful to them,” said Vivienne.
“We were up against seven other businesses in the Best Caterer category and some of them have been around for years, so to win as a new business is a huge achievement.”
Vivienne picked up the award at a glitzy ceremony held at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff.
“I was so nervous about the whole thing that I nearly didn’t go to the ceremony – my mum had to persuade me!” said Vivienne.
“I was pleased just to be nominated, so to win was mind-blowing. I have to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me.
“I see this as a big stepping stone for the business. The catering van is my livelihood, but we are also expanding into other areas like catering for events, and it’s so nice to be rewarded like this after working so hard over the last couple of years.”
The latest award is not the first for Vivienne – she made a name for herself in 2015 when she reached the final of Junior Chef of Wales, representing South Wales and winning the silver medal.
Chef Read is open 8.30am-2pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am-1pm on Saturdays.
For further information about Chef Read, call 07450 220134 or follow @Chefread21 on Facebook and Instagram.
