AFTER redecorating their home into a makeshift fine-dining restaurant, one food-mad couple admits that their business is "definitely a bit different."
With years of experience in the hospitality and catering industry - and often experiencing burn-out and stress because of this - Stu Snell and Tizi Manfredi had long contemplated the idea of launching their own family catering business.
The idea was inspired by a visit to a home restaurant in Manchester a few years previously, but after an admittedly "half-hearted attempt" during the pandemic, the dream didn't seem to work out.
Nevertheless, after the stresses of work began to creep up once more, the couple decided to regroup and relaunch the idea with "everything [they've] got", and 'ATHOME' has been going from strength to strength ever since.
With 'ATHOME' launching in September of last year, Tizi said: "We initially tried the idea with family and friends towards the end of covid, but I don't think the time was right and we didn't really go all out with the redecorating.
"But when the idea came up again, we decided to relaunch it with everything we've got and do it exactly how we want it to be.
"People can be scared of the cost and the atmosphere at fine-dining restaurants, so we want to make sure that this is a relaxed experience where people feel as comfortable as possible."
A five-minute walk away from Newton-le-Willows' thriving high street, 'ATHOME' caters for up to eight people in Stu and Tizi's family home on Dixon Avenue, with the food described as "more of a story than a set cuisine".
On a monthly basis, the events see the couple choosing the menu based on their childhood, travels, relationships, or general experiences, while Stu, who has experience in Michelin-star restaurants, places a unique twist on each meal.
In an intimate setting, the couple talk their guests through each meal to explain this story, and they also offer accompanying wine and cocktails through their new collaboration with the popular Newton business Riddling Rack.
Mum-of-two Tizi, who is from Newton but has an Italian family heritage, added: "We don't tell people what the menu is beforehand, but ask people to trust us and our experience.
"Stu has been so trained in fine dining, has worked long hours and has always worked under somebody else, so he has loved the freedom this project has brought.
"People are welcome to stay for hours and we have had unbelievable feedback from people so far, from those who have tried fine-dining before and those who have never experienced it.
"The events are still monthly for the time being as Stu is still working as a private chef, but we have offered further private events and the end goal is to open our own place full time."
For more information about ATHOME, you can visit their Facebook page here.
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