Familiar faces take over as new owners of popular Hadleigh High Street bar/restaurant
By Derek Davis
8th Jul 2023 | Local News
A Hadleigh couple have spoken of their excitement of taking over as the new owners of a popular High Street restaurant and bar in Hadleigh.
Daniel and Tia Farthing will formally launch their new ownership of the Jet Lounge@99 at a special reception next Saturday, July 15.
Regulars will recognise the couple, especially Daniel who has worked as the head chef at Jet Lounge@99 since it reopened fully after lockdown and he is thrilled to be taking over the reins completely from his old boss Gary Newley.
Daniel said: "We are very excited," said Daniel. "I have been the manager/head chef running it for Gary and when he approached us a few months ago to see if we would be interested and we jumped at the opportunity.
"It is every chef's dream to have their own place..
"It has been scary, exciting nervous all of the above and of course real hard work.
"Because I have been here a couple of years, I know the customer base, and what works."
Those regulars can be reassured all their favourite dishes, setting and atmosphere will not change despite the change of pilot.
Daniel said: "The brand will stay the same, the memorabilia is staying, the menus will continue to be destination based because it works, it flows well and the customer like it.
"People enjoy the different tastes from around the world. There is a lot of variety on the Hadleigh High Street and I feel we are at the high end of that.
"Everything is fresh, nothing coming out of a freezer, nothing going into a microwave. Every is cooked freshly prepared and with my chef's background I would not want to do it any other way."
Tia, who currently works at Hadleigh health centre as a GP assistant, and loves her job so much she will continue there, while doing the admin for the Jet Lounge behind the scenes.
Daniel and Tia have two young children but are confident they can continue to juggle their work/home life balance, even with the extra responsibilities of being the boss.
After starting out as a commis chef at the Boathouse in Dedham and leaving there as a sous chef, before working at Hollow Tree Farm, and a care home chef, this was Daniel's first role as head chef and he has made the most of it.
Although Jet Lounge@99 is popular with Hadleigh townsfolk, and those coming in from the villages, the restaurant also attracts visitors from far and wide.
"The regulars have been very loyal and we get those people staying in Air BNBs coming in to see us for our Destination Nights, so it is good mix.
Tia said: "We are unique. You will struggle to find an airline themed cafe anywhere wold be very difficult."
With his five-year lease coming to an end Gary Newley decided this would be good time to sell up to Daniel and Tia, who have taken up a new five year lease, so he can concentrate on his business interferes in Essex.
Gary spoke of the wrench he knows will come but has utmost faith in the man he put in charge as head chef and manager.
"I have other business commitment and this has taken me away from them," said Gary. "Since I have had Dan, and being able to put my trust in him, has meant I can spend more time elsewhere.
"Dan has shown a head for business, which has allowed me to set up another business in Essex.
"My heart was here in Hadleigh so my heart has been ripped in two but I can hand it over to Dan comfortable in the knowledge my vision will continue. I will enjoy coming back as a customer."
Daniel boarded the Jet Lounge as we were coming out of lockdown and has seen the highs and lows of the hospitality industry due to turbulence caused by war, Brexit and the pandemic.
Gary acknowledged t has been tough but added: I'm confident I'm handing over a business that will succeed. I wanted to hand over a business to a couple that live in the town and they are going to be able to have business they can enjoy."
Daniel is equally positive about jetting forward, although admits the cost of living crisis has played on his mind.
He said: "It has crossed my mind because this is the worst I have seen catering in all my time.
"However, I think we have come through the worst of it."
Daniel and Tia made a point of showing their gratitude to Gary as they look to settle in for the flight ahead.
"Thanks to Gary for giving us this opportunity," said Daniel. "I know deep down he will be sad because this is his baby but I also know there has been stressful times for him while setting up his other business.
"He is a hard working man and he is befitting from what he has created.
"For him to turn round and offer Jet Lounge 99 to me at a very good price mean I have nothing but respect for him. He has been a great person to work for.
"One of the reasons we are keeping it as it is, is out of respect for him.
"We have two young children so this is for their future too."
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