By Danielle Davey
A montage of love vignettes telling how some of our favourite cafe and restaurant owner couples met proves food really is the way to the heart.
Anita and Hendrik, Bütterken Bakery
Anita and Hendrik were both 21 and travelling solo in South America when they met 13 years ago. They clicked instantly and spent a few months exploring together, completely infatuated. Later, when Anita moved to Germany, she discovered the joy and health benefits of organic, homemade food.
Sustainability was a big part of life in Berlin, and it naturally became a shared passion. The couple started making their own jams and breads, and what began as a hobby quickly caught on. Friends and family loved their bread so much they started asking for it weekly, and that’s when the pair realised they’d hit on a promising business idea.
After five years of planning and saving, they opened Bütterken Bakery, Mount Eliza’s organic artisan sourdough bakery that’s been thriving for three years.
“Our pretzels – especially our custard pretzels – are heart-shaped, perfect for saying ‘I love you’,” Anita said. “We believe food is the fastest way to anyone’s heart, so pop in and treat your Valentine to something sweet or savoury.”
Kirsty and Loïc, Le Capucin and Pompette Portsea
Kirsty and Loïc’s initial meeting had nothing to do with food. Sent from Quiksilver’s head office in the south of France, Loïc walked into the Covent Garden store where Kirsty worked between studying and was immediately smitten.
After extensive travels in Europe and Loïc’s rediscovery of his passion and flair for French cooking, the couple opened Le Capucin in 2018 – a casual French-style cafe by the beach in Portsea – and more recently Pompette Portsea, an atmospheric wine bar offering Gallic specialty dishes.
Expanding its premises just before Christmas, Le Capucin’s retail larder is a key feature. “If you fancy a picnic or antipasto platter, we have everything you need: cured meats, cheeses, pâtés, crusty breads,” Kirsty said. “If a cosy evening indoors is more your style, take-home meals are available, too.”
For a date night with a difference, Pompette is hard to beat. “One of our most popular tables is a curtained corner booth allowing couples to enjoy an intimate meal in private.” A great idea for a romantic Valentine’s dinner.
Rosie and Leo, The Hive Loukoumades, Rye
Rosie and Leo connected online, and from the very first conversation there was an undeniable spark. They bonded over stories, laughter, and a love of food, quickly discovering a connection that felt effortless. That initial spark grew into a shared passion that would shape not only their relationship but their dreams together.
That passion became The Hive Loukoumades in Rye, where crisp golden loukoumades are made fresh to order, drizzled with honey, dusted with cinnamon, and served with care. Each bite is warm and comforting, a little puff of sweetness that brings people together.
Leo, with his Greek heritage, and Rosie, of Italian background, bring their family traditions and love of cooking into every loukoumade. “Every loukoumade is made with love,” Rosie said. “They’re a piece of our story, and a way to share our joy with everyone who visits.”
