Quitting a high-flying job as a lawyer to launch a restaurant in the middle of the recession was a risky move – but for Vanessa Hutchinson it was a gamble that paid off.
It is 17 months since she set up Mahoe in the City, and the cafe-bar, which specialises in Caribbean cuisine, is attracting customers in droves.
Indeed, her Caribbean concept has proven so successful that next month it will re-launch as a full restaurant and Hutchinson is hoping to follow that up with a cookery book or television series.
‘It’s been an exciting few months and my feet haven’t touched the ground, says Hutchinson, who has recently won The Precious Best Business of The Year award, an annual awards ceremony for inspirational and entrepreneurial women of colour, sponsored by Pearson plc.
‘I wanted to create a relaxed place where people could go for delicious food at any time of day and which was inspired by the lovely things from the Caribbean with great food, drinks and atmosphere, she says.’
Hutchinson believes much of Mahoe’s success is down to its wonderful and unique vibe. ‘We offer the full package, she says. ‘Mahoe boasts fantastic food and cocktails, great Caribbean music, vibrant art, soft lighting and an enjoyable dining experience.
‘The right location has also been a key driver of its success, she adds. ‘A good location is vital in the restaurant trade, so I spent hours combing the streets of London. Bow Lane seemed ideal because it was in the hub of the City and while there was lots of competition, they were mainly sandwich bars and formal restaurants. I felt Mahoe, with its exotic food and vibrant colours would be a big hit.’
Hutchinson named her restaurant, Mahoe after the “blue mahoe”, which is a tree that is indigenous to Jamaica, a country where she was born and raised.
The restaurant is now attracting investors and she is currently looking at collaborating with a well-known foodie, in a bid to promote the business is the form of a book or a television series.
The 39 year old says working late into the night as a City lawyer helped her adapt to the long hour hours involved in the restaurant trade.
‘I trained as a lawyer at Freshfields in Jamaica before being moved to London, where I worked in the corporate and project finance department for many years.
My career plan was to one day become a partner, but the years passed and no women in my department ever made partner – it dawned on me I had hit the glass ceiling.
‘As a lawyer I would work punishingly long hours. My secretary would often be packing up to go home at 6pm and she would say to me – why do you do this? I remember one year working until 2am nearly every night and not even noticing that people had changed from winter to summer clothing.
‘At least I am working long hours for myself now, which is far more rewarding.’
But while Mahoe is enjoying rave reviews and a loyal fan-base, Hutchinson admits running a restaurant is not always easy.
‘Cash flow can be a problem, she concedes. ‘Setting up a restaurant is expensive and you need a substantial amount of money to get the venture off the ground. If you are booked to host a party, then all alcohol and food must be paid for ahead of the event and sometimes people can take their time settling their bills.
‘Restaurants are costly to run, business rates have gone up in recent months and bills often come in faster than invoices get paid.’
Hutchinson believes that without the help of the British Library’s Business and IP centre she would never have got Mahoe off the ground.
‘Discovering this incredible business resource changed everything, she says. ‘In addition to all the facilities the British Library have to offer, they are also willing to take the time to listen, help and try to understand your business. I also found their weekly workshops invaluable.
‘I will always be grateful to the British Library for helping me with business plan and for giving me the confidence to realise my dream.’
For more details of the British Library Business & IP Centre
Go to: www.bl.uk/
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7454
Email: bipc@bl.uk
The Business & IP Centre is on the first-floor of the British Library, on the right-hand side of the building, opposite the Social Sciences Reading Room.
Tags: career change, Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, leisure industry, Mahoe, Vanessa Hutchinson, Women in Law
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