A CHEF who has cooked up tasty treats around the globe has returned home to set up a new catering business.

Mouse Straker has converted an empty building next door to Warden‘s Boatside Inn pub into a fully equipped industrial kitchen.

From there, she can provide meals and buffets for weddings, private parties and functions, business conferences, and sporting occasions.

Just weeks after launching Citrus Catering, Mouse is already seeking the help of other catering specialists on a freelance basis, to accommodate demand.

And she is hopeful that more jobs will be made available over time as the fledgling business becomes established.

Mouse, who grew up at High Warden, is excited about returning to her roots after spending 15 years honing her career elsewhere.

Much of that time has been spent working as a chef in the Putney district of London, but she has also had stints working in Australia, France and Africa.

It means that she’s well equipped to offer an extensive range of food for all occasions.

“It‘s been great to see different parts of the world,” said Mouse.

“But perhaps London wasn’t quite for me.

“I‘m a country girl and I wanted to see the greenery again. I have a lot of experience in the industry now and feel ready for this new venture.”

From seafood gratin to mouthwatering desserts such as passion fruit creme brulee, the list of sophisticated options is endless.

Mouse added: “There is a need for catering across the North-East and Cumbria, and I have been impressed with the interest shown in us so far.

“Whether it be a big marquee wedding function, or a business dinner, I will provide catering to a high professional standard.

“A wedding, for example, is a hugely important day for all involved, so of course much planning goes into each individual event.

“I enjoy cooking, and as work increases, I will need more help, so hopefully I will be making jobs available as time goes on.”

In addition, Mouse is soon to begin selling freshly made meals from her Warden base, which will be frozen to take away.

For more information, visit www.citruscatering.co.uk