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Our story
Discovering Westbourne Lane: A Culinary Journey Rooted in Community
At Westbourne Lane, we believe that good food has the power to bring people together. Our journey began with a simple idea: to create wholesome, fresh, and seasonal meals that families could enjoy in the comfort of their homes. This passion for cooking and sharing nourishing food has been a driving force behind everything we do.
The concept of Westbourne Lane took shape during a pivotal moment in early 2020 when a close friend and neighbor encouraged me to engage with our local community. Inspired by her suggestion to reach out to our neighbors, I began brainstorming ways to share delicious meals with those around us. Just as I was preparing to distribute flyers, I stumbled upon a new Facebook group called “Stronger Together Stanmore,” dedicated to fostering community support.
It was during a casual gathering with friends and neighbors in our laneway that the idea for a pop-up kitchen truly came to life. With laughter and creativity flowing, we decided to transform our garage into a space where we could serve our community. The following week, Westbourne Lane was born, starting with hand-drawn flyers crafted by my children, homemade cookies included with every order, and a rotating weekly menu featuring three thoughtfully prepared dishes.
What began as a small initiative quickly blossomed into a heartwarming community experience. As we navigated the challenges of the times, we were fortunate to connect with our neighbors like never before. The joy of sharing meals and the support from our community fueled our passion, and we realized that there was a genuine desire for convenient, ready-made meals.
In 2022, we officially launched Westbourne Lane as our own food company, driven by the encouragement and enthusiasm of our local community. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our family, dear friends, and the amazing Westbourne Lane pop-up community that helped us turn our dream into reality.
At Westbourne Lane, we are excited to continue this journey with you. We invite you to join us in celebrating the love of good food and the connections it fosters. Together, let’s create memorable dining experiences that nourish both body and soul. Welcome to Westbourne Lane!
Chef and Founder
**From Fine Dining to Westbourne Lane: The Culinary Journey of Gavin Carfax-Foster**
In 2022, Gavin Carfax-Foster embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious culinary career with the establishment of Westbourne Lane. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gavin has earned his reputation as an acclaimed fine dining chef, distinguished by his passion and dedication to the culinary arts.
Before the inception of Westbourne Lane, Gavin held the prestigious roles of Culinary Director and Group General Manager at Dedes Waterfront Group. This organization encompasses notable restaurants such as Flying Fish, Watergrill Abbotsford, and Deckhouse. Gavin’s culinary journey has also included stints at several three-hatted restaurants in Sydney, including the renowned est., where he served as the right-hand man to Executive Chef Peter Doyle for five pivotal years.
Reflecting on his experience at the highest levels of fine dining, Gavin once shared, “Working at a three hat level of fine dining was a great experience. I learnt to put all of my years of training using top-quality produce and fresh ingredients into practice. It takes great focus, precision, and technique, as well as a passion and resilience, to always be trying to be the best version of yourself.”
A philosophy that deeply resonates with Gavin is encapsulated in the words of his former mentor, Mr. John Hemmes, the founder of Merivale: “Whatever you do, do it well.” This foundational belief has guided Gavin through his illustrious career, an odyssey that intertwines culinary excellence with a commitment to sustainability and community-focused initiatives.
Gavin’s roots trace back to Perth, Western Australia, where he completed his culinary apprenticeship at the iconic Fraser’s Restaurant in Kings Park during the 1990s. A pivotal moment came when a surprise Christmas trip to Sydney ignited a profound love for the city, motivating Gavin to relocate in 1999. His arrival coincided with the excitement surrounding the Olympic Games and the dawn of the new millennium, offering an exhilarating backdrop for his culinary aspirations.
Over the years, Gavin has had the privilege of working at some of Sydney’s most revered establishments, including Flying Fish, Bather’s Pavilion, Bambini Trust, Selah, and the aforementioned est. His role as Culinary Director and Executive Chef at Dedes Waterfront Group showcased his ability to navigate and lead within dynamic culinary environments.
Among the many highlights of his career, Gavin cites the invaluable experience of working alongside Executive Chef Peter Doyle at est. Cooking for influential figures in the culinary world not only honed his technical skills but also provided him with vital experience in team leadership and management. This enriching period ultimately served as a launching pad for his subsequent role as Executive Chef of Flying Fish and Culinary Director of Dedes Waterfront Group.
With the establishment of Westbourne Lane, Gavin Carfax-Foster brings not only his extensive experience but also a vision deeply rooted in the values of quality, sustainability, and community. As he embarks on this endeavor, one can only anticipate the culinary wonders that will unfold at Westbourne Lane, solidifying Gavin’s enduring legacy in the ever-evolving landscape of Australian cuisine.
See more news and articles about Westbourne Lane & Chef Gavin Carfax-Foster
Sydney Morning Herald, 14th August 2022
‘Heat and eat’: Ready meal sales surge as time-poor families opt for convenience over home cooking
Good Food, SMH, 23rd November 2014
Three Hatted Head Chef Gavin Carfax-Foster, where Charity begins in the kitchen for schools