Couple who found love in Australia to open Greek restaurant in Nantwich

A couple who fell in love working in a Greek restaurant in Australia have moved to Nantwich to open their own venture.

Kelly Woodnutt, originally from Nantwich, and her partner Vasileios Kourtidis, from Athens, are planning to open the town’s first traditional Greek Taverna in August this year.

They hope to turn a dream into a reality six years after meeting in Melbourne in Australia when Kelly, 33, started a new job in a restaurant.

The former Wyche Primary and Brine Leas student had been travelling around Australia on holiday but ended up staying Down Under for nine years!

Now she has returned to her home town with Vasileios where they are converting a shop on Hospital Street into their new St Martha’s Greek restaurant.

Kelly said the idea came about during a previous visit when she first brought Vasileios to the town.

“I said it for fun that we should open a restaurant here,” she recalls.

“We had planned to come back to England anyway, and to Nantwich to be nearer my family.

“But it was V who said we should really go for it!”

Vasileios, 42, is originally from Athens and has worked as a head chef in Greece as well as in Australia.

“Nantwich is a great foodie town, I love the feel of the place,” he said.

“But there is no traditional Greek restaurant here, so I thought it was a great opportunity.”

Kelly studied A Levels at South Cheshire College and then a degree in media and cultural studies at Liverpool John Moores University.

But her heart was always in the catering and hospitality industry.

“I worked at Marriott Hotel in Manchester and at Old Trafford Cricket Ground for two years, and I love working in that industry,” she recalls.

“I only intended to travel a bit around Australia, but I ended working part-time in three different restaurants – and it’s why I met Vasileios in 2013.”

When Kelly spotted the vacant premises on Hospital Street for sale, she knew they could turn their dream into reality.

“Not much comes available in Nantwich, so when I saw this I knew I had to view it,” she adds.

“I flew back to Britain on my own after my family viewed it first. I loved it.

“It’s quite small, but it’s what we want – to create a cosy, family traditional taverna-style place.”

After several weeks pursuing a change of use licence for the venue, the couple finally secured the property which they are currently renovating.

“Vasileios has sourced all produce locally as much as possible, but also we’ll bring over the amazing olive oils and sauces from Greece which you just can’t get here,” adds Kelly.

“We’re so excited! We know there’s a lot of work ahead of us, but this is our dream.”

And the name St Martha? She was the Patron Saint of Cooks and Waiters!

Kelly hopes to be open in time for Nantwich Food Festival, and will also be recruiting casual staff to work.