The Team

Liam Farrell
Founder

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I have worked within heritage building and visitor attractions for over 20 years. I started Leafi because I felt there was a gap in the market for a catering company which put the quality of food above all else. My passion is for good honest food and working with a team of people I respect and have a great deal of fun with.

My main focus is on day to day operation, client communication and figures, but I keep an eye on all parts of the business.

liam@leafi.co.uk

Fiona Barber
Founder

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My background has been bars and events, working at the Royal Festival Hall and City Conference Centre. After taking time out to raise my children I wanted a new challenge.

Since founding Leafi with Liam, I have built on my passion for event planning to ensure all aspects of the events Leafi run are delivered with an attention to detail that is second to none.

fiona@leafi.co.uk

Rod Kemp
Company Director

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I believe food is more than a source of fuel. It’s a pleasure and should be enjoyed as such. I trained as an accountant, but soon realised it didn’t excite me as much as food does. I have worked in museums and galleries over the last 20 years and understand the complexities of running such organisations as well as the need to enhance the overall customer experience.

rod@leafi.co.uk

Sandro Cortese
Office Manager

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I run the finance department where I have a hands-on approach to managing the accounts of all the Leafi sites and ensuring all controls are in place. I am here to support and train at site level. Travel and new culture are my pursuits.

sandro@leafi.co.uk

Vanessa Lam
Food Development

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At the age of ten I won a cake competition in a women's magazine with a Dundee cake. From then on I knew I wanted to cook and the rest is history. I ran my own successful business for 20 years, ‘Ransomes Dock’ in Battersea but Leafi is my new calling. I oversee the cooks and kitchens and I ensure consistent delivery throughout the business.

vanessa@leafi.co.uk

Paula De Silva
Warner Bros.

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Working at Warner Bros London Head office, Time Warner with a numerous separated divisions including television, home video, theatrical, online and consumer products. I started working in catering in 1993. My first job was at the Barbican Centre as catering assistant and I ended up gaining passion for hospitality. The customers, food and days are never the same. Reading and discovering new places to eat are just two of the things I enjoy outside of work.

Café and Hospitality Manager
Warner Bros.

paula.dasilvatrancoso@wbconsultant.com

Sueli Pinheiro
St John's

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I have had a career in catering for 18 years and I am passionate about food and service. I previously worked at Dulwich Picture Gallery for 16 years and joined Leafi Catering a year and a half ago. I have known Liam and Fiona for many years and they are as passionate about food and service as I am and I believe we make a great fit. I enjoy travelling, dining out at some of London's most reputable restaurants and spending time with my family and friends.

General Manager
Footstool Restaurant

sueli@leafi.co.uk

Thiago Volkmann
Burgh House

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General Manager
Burgh House

thiago@leafi.co.uk

Jiewen Deng
Foundling Museum

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I have more than five years of experience within the food, catering and hospitality industry. After successfully achieving a degree in international hospitality and tourism management, I wanted to continue developing my passion for travelling and trying new cuisine by choosing my career with Leafi.

My goal is to provide high quality customer service and to build a personal relationship with my customers.

Café and Events Manager
Foundling Museum

foundling@leafi.co.uk

Netto Aldemar
Geffrye Museum

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I joined Leafi in 2014 and have worked at the Courtauld Gallery, Whitechapel and Geffrye Museum. I truly love working in the hospitality industry with a passion for customer service, working as a team and client relations. In my spare time you will find me shopping or eating somewhere new.

Café and Events Manager
Geffrye Museum

netto@leafi.co.uk

Karolina Grazulyte
Courtauld Gallery

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I am an ambitious individual whose agenda is all about going the extra mile to create a mouth-watering food experience and give excellent customer service. From an early age I have had a passion for catering and hospitality which has led me to study Hospitality and Tourism Management in the UK. During my studies I have gained valuable knowledge, which helps me in my current job as catering manager of the Courtauld Gallery.

General Manager
Courtauld Gallery

Leafi.Leafi@courtauld.ac.uk

James Metcalfe
Playhouse B&K

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As a hospitality and catering professional, my main focus has always been the guest. There is nothing more rewarding than pleasing a customer with great food, delicious drinks and delivering top quality, memorable service.

Studying for a business diploma at Harrogate College HE , I soon realised that business management was my passion. I have since been fortunate enough to work my way up in the industry, and have been general manager at several highly reputable establishments both in Nottingham and around the UK.

General Manager
Playhouse Bar & Kitchen

james.m@leafi.co.uk

James Noakes
Turner

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A trained chef and a passionate foodie. Working my way up from Commis to Head Chef and working in many prestigious venues including Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds castle before moving into management. Along the way I achieved a HND in hospitality management. In the years prior to joining Leafi I have held senior management roles in hotels, conference & event centres and leisure venues. For me provenance is the key focus, it must be local, sustainable and ethically produced. Working with local suppliers, farmers and growers gives us amazing produce and supports the local community.

General Manager
Turner Contemporary

JNoakes@turnercontemporary.org

Richard Shaw
Foyles

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Joined Leafi in September 2010. My background is in general management of mutli faceted sites, overseeing the operations, ensuring key customer service standards are met and delivering financially. I have worked at many of London’s prestigious venues including The Orangery at Kensington Palace, Tower of London, The British museum, St John’s Smith Square and Waterstones Piccadilly. My primary focus is ensuring both the customers and the clients are well looked after, and happy.

General Manager
the Café at Foyles

richard@leafi.co.uk

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About Us

The Team

Liam FarrellFounder

Fiona BarberFounder

Rod KempCompany Director

Sandro CorteseOffice Manager

Vanessa LamFood Development

Paula De SilvaWarner Bros.

Sueli PinheiroSt John's

Thiago VolkmannBurgh House

Jiewen DengFoundling Museum

Netto Aldemar Geffrye Museum

Karolina GrazulyteCourtauld Gallery

James MetcalfePlayhouse B&K

James Noakes Turner

Richard ShawFoyles

Liam Farrell
Founder

Fiona Barber
Founder

Rod Kemp
Company Director

Sandro Cortese
Office Manager

Vanessa Lam
Food Development

Paula De Silva
Warner Bros.

Sueli Pinheiro
St John's

Thiago Volkmann
Burgh House

Jiewen Deng
Foundling Museum

Netto Aldemar
Geffrye Museum

Karolina Grazulyte
Courtauld Gallery

James Metcalfe
Playhouse B&K

James Noakes
Turner

Richard Shaw
Foyles