AN Ealing home cook who has ran her own catering business since 2006 is set to open her first shop later this month.

Marie-Clare Alphonso, who lives in Northfields, set up her own catering business 14 years ago, after leaving her previous job in marketing.

She then set up a home delivery service in 2016, where she would cook at home and deliver meals to people who have ordered locally, under her business name, Marie-Clare Cooks.

The cook told Nub News: "Marie-Clare Cooks for me is food that means home, for people that want home cooked food without the hassle of making it themselves."

When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, the events side of her business came to a sudden stop, so she focused all her energy on the home delivery side.

She added: "I've built up a really good loyal customer base in Ealing, who have known me and my food for years, and during lockdown that side of the business really took off.

"I'd thought about opening my own shop for a long time but hadn't taken the leap of faith until now, I've outgrown my current set up and in order to expand, I need to take the next step up."

Alphonso believes her multicultural background of French, Spanish, Indian, Irish and Portuguese descent has directly affected her cooking.

She said: "I enjoy eating and subsequently cooking food from different parts of the world.

"The catering business doesn't tend to usually mix different cuisines but I did, and people have always enjoyed my food, both with catering and with home delivery, they like to try new things."

Alphonso's cooking is inspired from North African, Mediterranean and even East Asian cuisines, to create menus that are filled with flavours.

Her new shop is due to open on December 27, on Boston Road in Hanwell and will offer people the opportunity to click and collect their food as well.

She is also planning to hire some staff once everything is up and running smoothly.