Our story. Where it all began
By Jorge Santos, manager and owner
My love for food started in Portugal at home with my mother, Berta. Every meal was a reason to sit down together, tuck into delicious food and share stories. Food wasn't just sustenance - it was connection, tradition and love.
When I was 21 years old, my mother sadly passed away. In my grief, I found solace in recreating the vibrant Portuguese dishes of my childhood. Through cooking, the culinary inspiration of my mother and her incredible self-taught cookery endured, keeping her memory and spirit alive in every dish.
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A Culinary Education
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working with exceptional ingredients and fine wines aboard a 6-star cruise liner. This was an intense, fast-paced environment where I learnt alongside some of the best professionals in the hospitality industry. It was here that my second love - wine - truly shone through, and I became a sommelier, travelling the world on a journey of discovery. I learnt about different cuisines, exciting new ingredients, and exceptional wines that would shape my culinary vision.
It was also during this time that I met my wife and long-term partner in life and business, Eleanor.
Building Our Dream Together
When I meet my wife Eleanor I was able to share my love for food and wine with her. Eleanor understood that food wasn't just about sustenance - it was about creating moments, building connections, and bringing people together. She saw the world the same way I did: through the lens of flavour, experience and genuine hospitality.
Our dates weren't just dinners; they were culinary adventures, exploring new restaurants, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying great wines late into the night. As our relationship deepened, so did our shared dream. We both knew that one day we wanted to create something together - a place where our combined passions could come to life. Eleanor's expertise in creating unforgettable events and experiences perfectly complemented my culinary vision.
We weren't just partners in life; we were partners in our love for everything that makes dining special. Together, we moved back to Portugal and ran a successful business, testing our partnership and proving that our shared vision could become a reality.
When we eventually settled in Norwich (Eleanor's home city), we knew exactly what we wanted to create: a restaurant that embodied everything we loved about food, wine, and bringing people together - a place that felt like home, where every meal was a celebration and every guest became part of our story.
Meet our team
Behind every memorable meal is a dedicated team committed to delivering consistently high service standards. From our kitchen to front of house, each member plays a vital role in making your dining experience truly special. We couldn't do it without them.
