A culinary career for civil engineer

A civil engineer who was forced to give up work after suffering a shoulder injury now has a new venture in the culinary world.

Duncan Farquhar, 43, from the Heartsease area of Norwich, has recently taken over The Brunch Bar based on the North Walsham industrial estate, after being forced to retire from work because of ill health, which resulted in him being unemployed for two years.

He runs the business with the help of a local businessman, who wants to remain a silent partner.

Mr Farquhar worked in civil engineering for 25 years, 10 of which were spent with CityCare. He has family members helping him run the caf� at the moment but is hoping to take on more staff as the business expands.

While out of work he had to give up his beloved Harley Davidson FXR Sport to help finance himself, but a picture of the bike has pride of place on the caf� wall, and he hopes that if the business goes well he may be able to buy another bike.

He said: 'Running the business has given me real energy. I have always been able to cook and have cooked all my life and the aim of the caf� is to get a reputation for using fresh ingredients, giving value for money and helping to support other local businesses.'

Mr Farquhar says he is using local suppliers for his products, including a local bakery and butcher. He has also recently been awarded five stars by environmental health officers.

The caf� is open all year round from 6.30am–3.15pm on weekdays and 7am–2pm on Saturdays.

Have you overcome adversity to set up a new business? Contact the Evening News on 01603 772443 or email eveningnews@archant.co.uk.