Kirsty
Managing Director & Co Owner
Happy Plate is a premier catering service led by Kirsty, a highly skilled and passionate chef. Kirsty honed her culinary expertise at the prestigious HTA College of Culinary Arts in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to London, where she joined the renowned Soho House, serving at one of their exclusive private members' clubs.
With over six years of experience at Soho House, Kirsty transitioned into the private chef sector in London, where her exceptional culinary talents and meticulous attention to detail secured her a coveted position with an ultra-high-net-worth family, a role she excelled in for over five years.
Kirsty’s impressive background in Business and Marketing, coupled with her love for cooking and household management, inspired her to establish Happy Plate. Her business is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences that leave clients and guests delighted and satisfied. Trust Happy Plate to make your next event a delicious success.
James
Food Director & Co Owner
James Hamilton Thomson grew up just north of Toronto, Ontario, where the vibrant multicultural environment of Canada nurtured his passion for diverse culinary flavours. He pursued his dream by attending culinary school in Canada, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for food from many different places. In 2011, James made the move to London where he began his professional journey as a commis chef at Soho House.
His dedication, skill, and innovative approach to cooking saw him rise through the ranks to become the head chef at Ottolenghi, a renowned establishment known for its creative and boundary-pushing cuisine.
James’s talent didn’t stop there; he played a crucial role in the opening of local favourite Kossoffs Bakery in Kentish Town, where he served as the head chef. His culinary creations are influenced by his time in both Canada and London, allowing him to integrate a rich tapestry of flavours from around the world into his work. James aspires to innovative with an inclusive approach to cooking, celebrating the diverse influences that have shaped his culinary journey.
Angelie
Head Chef & Co Owner
Growing up in Sweden, Angelie's fascination and passion for food and flavour was evident from an early age and you could always find her experimenting in the kitchen cooking for her friends and family. Despite always having a dream of the kitchen, Angelie spent a decade working in front of house teams across Stockholm's vibrant restaurant scene, gaining invaluable experience in customer service, beverage and food pairings, and nuances of hospitality. These years not only deepened her appreciation for Nordic ingredients and how to innovatively use them in creating beautiful dishes inspired by the world’s cuisines, but also honed her understanding of the dining experience from the guest's perspective.
After moving to London in 2013, she completed her university degree and spent seven years in the tech industry. While her career in tech was thriving, her culinary dreams remained at the forefront of her mind. Driven by a desire to fully embrace her passion, Angelie made the pivotal decision to leave the tech world behind and step back into the kitchen with wife Kirsty and together they founded Happy Plate.
As a chef, Angelie draws inspiration from the rich and wonderfully diverse food scene of London, infusing it with the flavours and techniques from her Scandinavian background and the experiences she’s gathered through her travels. Her approach is characterised by a commitment to quality ingredients, sustainable practices, and a genuine desire to share the joy of food with others.
