A chef is set to open her own new purpose-built premises after the success of her ready-meals business.

Breda Murphy, moved to Lancashire in 1996 when she was appointed head chef at the Inn at Whitewell.

She went on to win a host of national food awards and, in 2006, alongside husband and business partner Guy Purves, they launched ‘Food by Breda Murphy’ in Whalley.

The site was later refurbished and relaunched in 2017 as a ‘modern British and Irish’ restaurant and delicatessen.

The restaurant won entry into the Hardens and Michelin Guides and was awarded AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

Now, Brenda and her team are opening a new Pantry at Mitton Road Business Park, a short distance from the original site.

She said: “These are exciting times for us, as we are planning to increase our frozen food range, recruit more staff and partner with more hand-selected retailers in the coming months.

“Whilst exciting, this does mean we have taken the decision to close the restaurant side of the business to concentrate fully on our frozen food range and catering.

“Although this decision brings sadness it also allows us to concentrate on new beginnings and we are hoping that the loyalty, love and support we have received over the past 17 years will travel with us.

“We are so grateful to all of our customers over the last 17 years – many of whom have become good friends.”

During the first national lockdown, Breda launched new frozen meals range.

Breda said: “The concept was to offer busy working families like ours an affordable restaurant quality experience in the comfort of their own home.

"In the current cost of living crisis, not everyone can afford to go to a restaurant; therefore, Guy and I wanted to recreate that experience without the associated cost of dining out.”

Since 2020, Breda’s restaurant meal service has seen a year-on-year growth of more than 80 per cent.

Customers can call in or ‘click and collect’ from the Whalley based Pantry or order online for nationwide delivery.

Breda’s meals can also be found in select food halls and farm shops across the region.