Lee Skeet launches crowdfund for better kit at Cardiff restaurant
Chef Lee Skeet has launched a crowdfund hoping to raise £25,000 to buy better equipment for his new restaurant Cora in Cardiff.
Skeet opened his first permanent restaurant above Cafe Milkwood on 17 January following sold-out pop-ups and supper clubs.
The former head chef at Michelin-starred Hedone is seeking to raise money to buy a new oven, hobs and fridges.
"I've got this far without any investors or debts, and I'm absolutely focused on continuing this," said Skeet.
"Currently there is no commercial kitchen at the restaurant, I cook on one domestic hob, keep pans warm on a single flat grill, and have a small oven held together with duct tape!
"I'd really like to buy some better equipment to make life easier. Nothing crazy, just a new oven, some extra hobs and a couple of fridges."
Additional funding will be used to buy crockery, a plate warmer and will be directly invested into the restaurant and staff.
Pledge rewards include merchandise, a pre-paid tasting menu, your name on the investor wall and a private event at the restaurant for up to 10 guests. So far £1,505 has been pledged.
The 12-cover restaurant serves a £75 set tasting menu based on seasonal produce.
Skeet's career includes time as sous chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, chef de partie at Marcus Wareing Restaurants and sous chef at Restaurant Tom Aikens in London. However, in 2017, he was severely injured in a hit and run, leaving him unable to work and out of the kitchen for four years. Over the last two years he began cooking again, running a six-table supper club, which led to him opening his first restaurant last month.
