Meet Tom
Director
Meet Tom – a founder, a foodie and a pilot…with a very loud laugh!
With over 15 years worth of experience in contract catering, Tom brings his entrepreneurial spirit and detailed approach to found Thomas & Tate alongside Sam and Adam. Having recently been awarded the prestigous Newcomer Award at the 2023 Catey’s, Tom stands as the only contract caterer to have been awarded this accolade, usually reserved for restaurants and renowned chefs (such as Gordon Ramsey and Tom Kerridge!).
You could say - Tom ‘grew up’ in the catering world, spending his formative years observing his mother work for BaxterSmith as Mike Smith and William Baxter's PA. Tom joined BaxterStorey as part of a planned gap year, working in administration, before joining the Sales Team. Tom quickly found his feet and rose through the ranks of BaxterStorey, Caterlink and Searcys. In very early 2020 Tom left the Senior Team at Searcys and began on his own journey. Founding Culinera, an award winning education caterer and more recently Thomas & Tate with Sam and Adam.
Tom’s proudest moment is...
(Apart from our new daughter), Winning the Cateys 2023 Newcomer Award - the first time a contract caterer has ever won this award!
Did you know...
Fun facts about Tom
-
Tom’s favourite TV show is currently Below Deck... don’t judge me - it’s addictive! Captain Sandy is a great leader!
-
Tom’s most-prized possession is – this is not so much a possession - my partner and I welcomed our first child in August 2023, and she has already become my little magic star and proudest achievement.
-
Tom’s favourite movie is James Bond – Dr No or Spectre. Dr No is so classically brilliant, and the Day of the Dead scene in Spectre is just amazing. I know they made it up for the film, but I would LOVE to go to Mexico and experience the Day of the Dead festival as it happens in the movie.
-
Tom’s favourite book is - How to Start a business for dummies. Just kidding! I love reading The Hungry Caterpillar to my daughter so that has become my favourite.
-
Tom cannot live without his MacBook! If you ever see Tom, be sure his MacBook is never more than 10 meters away.
-
Tom’s most favourite dish is tarragon chicken / thai green curry. I just love it! Never packet mixes, always from scratch!
-
Tom’s childhood food memory is my Mormor (Danish grandmother) cooking. She made an excellent roast dinner – no bisto in sight! She started her own food business in the 70s called Dial A Dish – delivering amazing home cooked dishes for dinner parties!
-
Tom’s least favourite dish is anything containing peanuts. I really really dislike nuts! Restaurants hate me because I am not allergic, I just don’t like them!
-
Tom is terrible at being on time…sorry!
Did you know …
-
Tom loves flying – both as a passenger and as a pilot on a little Cesna 172! He once took his old boss on a site visit to York in one, I think his old boss is still getting theropy after this day!
-
Tom’s favourite dish to make for friends is a Bolognese – He makes a pretty mean ragu. Simple dish but allows you to spend time with your guests!
-
Something Tom can’t do.
Like Sam, play football… He would struggle to name 10 key players!
-
Tom loves traveling. His favourite place is South Africa, the views are stunning and strolling though their gorgeous vineyards.
-
Tom's hidden talent?
DIY!
-
Tom can speak a little bit of Danish, given his Danish heritage.
Get in touch with Tom!
He would love to hear from you!