An Oakham chef is following his dream of starting his own business after losing his job due to the coronavirus crisis.

Joe Lawson and his partner Charlotte Forster have launched The Hungry Kitchen, creating restaurant-quality ready-meals for customers to pop in the oven at home.

Joe told Oakham Nub News: "I have worked as a chef for pubs and restaurants in Rutland and Lincolnshire for 12 years.

"When I lost my job during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown it gave me the push I needed to start the business.

"It's something I've always wanted to do, to work for myself, but just never seemed to get round to taking the leap.

"We launched seven weeks ago and business is slowly picking up.

"We already have some amazing regular customers and have received lovely feedback.

"We expect to get busier as more people get back to work and want to treat themselves to a delicious home-made meal they simply heat up rather than having to cook from scratch."

Joe and Charlotte are currently running The Hungry Kitchen from their Oakham home - with Joe cooking and his partner managing the business and delivering orders.

"As the business expands we intend to rent a kitchen in the town centre," explained Joe.

"At the moment, as well as customers being able to collect orders, we are offering a delivery service in Oakham for the elderly and anyone else struggling to get out.

"We have a great range of comfort food - from build-your-own-pies to smoked haddock risotto, lasagne and more - and our menu can be found on Facebook."

Meals can be ordered by messaging the couple on Facebook, calling 01572 503603 or emailing [email protected].