So we got to know more about Kate, now it's Bethan's turn! Bethan joined Boxlocal at the tail end of 2020 when things were really starting to take off - from there she has worked alongside Kate in growing the business and helping it become the well-known brand we all know and love today! Let's get to know a bit more about what Bethan gets up to in and outside of work!
What did you do before Boxlocal?
So I actually worked in HR for ten years with my last job being a Senior HR Consultant - my husband laughs at me as I will never drop the 'Senior'. I loved the variety and fast-paced nature of the job but most of all the people I worked with. My colleagues used to take the mick as my LinkedIN profile picture was one from when I was 23 and I refused to update it - I still get whatsapps with that profile pic now! It was a great time but after having my second child, I was ready for something totally different - I started helping Kate out almost by accident and I just loved it and haven't looked back!
Talk us through a typical day!
Ooh, ok. So my mornings are fuelled by two things: caffeine and Radio 4. A strong coffee and a Tory MP being grilled gives me the energy I need to tackle the school run.
I've got a 4 year old and a 3 year old so we do a little loop dropping the littlest one off first and then the 4 year old now off at school. I do enjoy it as I get to walk along North Street everyday and often that will involve a stop-off for a pastry! Parson's cherry and raisin danish is my absolute fave.
Once that's done, I'm on the laptop. I do a lot of social media and marketing and at the moment I'm managing all of our Christmas orders - making sure we've got everything in place for when it all goes absolutely nuts late November/December! Each day is totally different and that's why I love it.
What are your top 3 products?
Great question! It's almost like I've come up with these myself......at the moment my top three are:
Zara's Chocolates Butterscotch & Pecan Bite Box - just the most exquisite chocolate you will ever taste.
Raphael's Extra Virgin Olive Oil Infused with Chilli - love this oil so much, always have it in my cupboard and drizzle it on pizzas, soups, avo on toast etc.
Somerset Charcuterie Chorizo Poker Bites - these remind me of when we were packing in Christmas 2020. It was absolutely manic but we would obviously have our time to snack - these were the most delicious treat.
What do you like to do outside of Boxlocal?
So it's got to be spending time with friends and family - really boring answer but I'll try and make it interesting. One of my favourite things to do is a steak night - we will get all of our friends round and Sonal will cook steak. He perfected it throughout lockdown and will pick up either some tomahawks or fillet steaks from Rare on North Street.
My sister Emma is the most incredible incredible cook and she will do the sides - we are talking whipped potatoes - not mashed, whipped. I think last time she made them it took her about 2 hours and we were all close to tears eating them, they were phenomenal. Emma's philosophy of cooking is to use food as a vessel for butter and I am 100% on board with this.
Other things I like to do are just hang out with friends - we all went away to Centre Parcs recently and it was just the best thing. You feel like you've been working out because of the amount of laughing that you've done.
What do you love about Bristol?
There is a vibe in Bristol that is really hard to describe and when you start talking about it you send like a bit of an arse but generally I love the vibe and the people. It's a liberal city, it's family-friendly, it has so many fantastic independent restaurants, cafes and shops which just make it a special place to be.
Last meal on earth - starter, main, dessert
Starter - has to be something like creamy mushrooms on toast but done to an epic standard.
Main - I think I'm going to have to go with one of my Dad's roast dinners.
Dessert - I am OBSESSED with panna cotta. And when it's done right, it can be an out of body experience.
What song gets you on the dancefloor
Somebody once said he always starts his DJ set with Lucy Pearl's 'Don't Mess with my Man' and that really stuck with me - it's such a banger.
Favourite place to eat/drink in Bristol?
Kate stole my Souk Kitchen but I have to say Souk Kitchen - the food is always fabulous there.
Pasture - if I can ever get a table that is not 9.15pm.
Albatross Cafe for their toasted banana bread, mascarpone and lemon curd.
Any hidden talents
Yes, I play the piano!
Fun fact about you!
When I was 4, my parents sent my birthday card into CBBC and it was read out by Phillipa Forrester. But the best thing about it was that it was Masterchef themed. It had my face coming out of the Green Ten (Lloyd Grossman days), it was my favourite programme at 4 years old and I still remain obsessed with cookery shows to this day. We had recorded it on VHS but we think my Dad has taped over it with the rugby.
