Ecological Catering.
Delicious, seasonal food from Sussex
.CAMPESINA.
Our Ethos.
We believe in the power of food to do more than just satisfy hunger.
Exceptional food is rooted in excellent ingredients. Those ingredients, whether plant, fungi or animal, carry a history of land workers, farmers and campesinos that have cultivated them, their characteristics and their flavours.
The dishes we create celebrate the timeless simplicity and locality of peasant cuisine, from across the globe.
We aim to foster a deeper connection between people and the food on their plates, inspiring them to make informed and ecologically sound decisions.
Meet Luke.
Luke is a chef, gardener and teacher, living in East Sussex.
His background is in organic growing and wild foraging; blending local, seasonal foods with flavours and techniques he has gleaned from travels around the globe.
He now spends most of the year teaching at Trefoil Montessori Primary School, with a focus on nature-based learning and sustainable craft.
Born in the UK to parents of Italian and South Indian heritage, Luke comes from a rich food tradition that celebrates the simplicity and locality of peasant cuisine and family recipes.
Campesina operates from a 5-star rated commercial kitchen at Laughton Lodge co-housing community, where Luke currently lives.
“I first tried Luke’s cooking 6 or so years ago and said then his food was some of the best I’d ever tasted. He’s maintained that status ever since and consistently blows me away with his skills, creativity and improvisation. In recent years I’ve worked alongside him at events; he is a joy to work with and one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.”
Menu Ideas.
SOUTH EAST ASIAN.
Cinnamon & Makrut chicken, with Thai basil, tomato and lime.
Shredded green beans and potato, tamarind, palm sugar and coconut.
Jasmine rice, cloves and mustard seed.
Toasted coconut flakes & tart spicy pickles.
Coriander sambal, sesame oil.
INDIAN.
Roasted Crown Prince squash, curry leaves, chickpeas, in a coconut, ginger and jeera reduction.
Tender mutton, cinnamon, clove and almond gravy, with pineapple and potato.
Basmati rice, cardamom and nigella.
Sourdough flatbread
Tamarind, date, chilli chutney.
ITALIAN.
Peppered orange, chicory, cheese and salami.
Lasagna al forno or aubergine Parmigiana
Sheep neck and shoulder, garlic, anchovy and rosemary, pearl barley, with seasonal vegetables in a white wine gravy and barley malt reduction.
Orange & almond cake, with gelato.
Employers & Collaborators.
Singing With Nightingales.
Offical Caterer
Between mid-April and the end of May, nightingales sing their unique courtship after-dark song.
Circle around the campfire and be transported with a night of folklore, music, story, food and drink as we join in celebration of nature at her most expressive, creative and mysterious.
SWN is neither a concert nor is it an ecological guided walk, it's a work of theatre and a journey-defying category.
Come ready to be transformed and never see our land in the same way again.
“Luke’s cooking is to the mouth a veritable taste sensation. Every meal is prepared with love and grace, ingedients are treated like friends and the dedication to crafter is a joy to observe and of course eat!”
Our Events.
Whether you're hosting an event, a casual gathering, or a themed celebration, Luke will work closely with you to design a menu or a single dish that fits.
Every menu can be uniquely tailored and delivered in a way that is sensitive to most dietary preferences or allergies: vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, gluten-free.
Get in touch via email to organise a quote.
Need drinks for your event?
We have a close partnership with Old Tree Brewery, a micro-fermentary producing award winning Kombucha and pioneering artisan botanical cocktails in Sussex. They regularly host their mobile bar at festivals and events nationally.
“Campesina have been the trusted community kitchen for Old Tree for many years. Luke is not only a gifted cook but someone with a rare gift of being able to guide and empower others in a culture of cooking together.
Campesina creates community through food and meals that are so much greater than the sum of their parts!”
Our Ingredients.
Exceptional food, simply does not cost the earth.
In the last century, our food system has undergone radical transformation to become more complex and consequently more extractive than ever before. But, small-scale food producers are still in abundance across the UK and need all the support and trade they can get.
We speak to farmers directly where possible, Laines Biodynamics in West Sussex for example; and further afield, we rely on dedicated purveyors, such as Shrub, who enshrine the values we commit to.
Ultimately, a biodiverse mixed food system is what we look for. Growers who are aware of the complex tapestry of ecology that depends upon the skill and gentleness of their hands, as well as the reality that our food sovereignty and survival is underpinned by the, eco-systems our crops are cultivated in.
Campesina Kitchen is a member of the UK-based group, The Landworkers Alliance, and the larger, multi-million strong network - La Via Campesina - that supports farmers and food producers (and eaters!) globally.
Get in touch.
Please get in touch to let us know whether you would like to collaborate or hire our services. Thank you.
info@campesina.co.uk
