Lexington Catering co-founder leaves to open a deli

Lexington Catering co-founder Clare Prowse has left contract catering behind to open a delicatessen in York.

The 850sq ft de’Clare site opened on 2 December and sales of locally-sourced sandwiches, salads and soups brought in a weekly turnover of £6,000 over Christmas. 

Prowse, who worked in the contract catering sector for 25 years, held a 45% stake in Lexington before selling to current chairman Tim West in October 2005. 

She bought the deli for an undisclosed sum with the proceeds in an attempt to achieve a better work-life balance.

“Yes it is a big change from Islington and the buzz of London but good food remains my passion but it no longer has to be sold to faceless board directors and suits,” she said.

West to join Lexington >>

By Alex Blakelock

E-mail your comments to Alex Blakelock here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.