Dynamic, entrepreneurial, driven and quite possibly mad!

Introducing Ben Cockhill of Stellar Catering, one of Newmarket’s great Covid success stories. Suddenly finding himself redundant from his chef role at The Tack Room, the onsite café and restaurant at the National Horseracing Museum, he decided to set up his own bakery business and quite frankly hasn’t looked back.

The Bakery, housed in one of Charles II former stables within the King’s Yard at the Museum, became Ben’s kitchen where he produced the most delicious array of cakes and bakes. Next came a delivery service which has recently expanded to Postal Brownies and then a side line in corporate catering emerged. As if that wasn’t enough, whilst in between national lockdowns, he launched a funky take away Waffle Hut business as well as acquiring a mobile unit to attend events and festivals.

You would have thought that having gone from redundancy to running three separate businesses within the space of two years would have been sufficient. However, Ben made the exciting announcement last month that The Waffle Hut was to have its own permanent home in the former Gallops Tearooms right next to the Premier Inn. Discover Newmarket caught up with Ben in a rare spare moment to ask him just how he does it!

What’s the fascination with waffles then?

Well, there simply isn’t anywhere else doing that kind of food. The takeaway business proved there was an audience so it seemed like a natural transition to establish a restaurant. Although it is not just going to be about creative and well presented food it is also going to be about the experience.

Now why aren’t we surprised! So, what kind of experience are you planning?

We are going to have entertainment, something like jazz nights, possibly parties, definitely  bottomless brunches as well as a build your own waffle type of concept. The aim is to create a vibe that goes from daytime into the evening. I am also hoping to do parring cocktails and have an idea for a mini waffle to accompany your coffee. To be honest, the ideas are just running away with me now as waffles lend themselves to so many variations.

Aren’t waffles just for kids though?

Not at all! We are going all out, for all audiences. We are going to have sophisticated combinations including healthy salad dishes. Instead of waffles, think flat breads, then perhaps you can visualise how olives, humous, peppers and tomato sharing combs can work.

How many staff will you now have in your empire, and will we see more of Ella-Rose one of your delightful daughters who entertained us during lockdown with her own baking skills?

We currently employ upwards of 15 and are looking for an additional 15 staff for the new business, which we are actively recruiting for now. As for Ella-Rose, we are planning a daughter duo cooking theme alongside my eldest daughter Rebecca, they both love cooking and certainly enjoyed being in front of the camera and doing those videos with me. No doubt I will be testing some waffle creations with them and the family, but I’m guessing they are going to be more of the sweet variety which of course will also feature on our menu.

So, what is next then, as we are sure you’ve already got your next business idea in mind?

I have as it happens! I want a string of Waffle Huts in every town, but I’ll settle for focusing on just the one for the time being. I’m passionate about Newmarket and the support the local community has given me and so I just want to make a success of my very first sit down business.

You gave a presentation recently at the Newmarket BID Business Exhibition. How did that go?

It was absolutely brilliant, despite being a bit unsure about what I was going to say at first. I still find it hard to believe that I am being asked to these occasions and that people are interested in hearing my story. However, I am living proof that if you want something, it can be achieved, so I hope I have inspired others to follow their dreams. 

When is the big opening day then?

Not long now, just working on refreshing the interior and the signs are already in place on the outside of the building so people should begin to see the look we are going for. Do keep tuned to our socials for more details. 

May we wish Ben and his super team all the very best of luck and we can’t wait to see the recently installed neon Waffle Hut sign flashing open!