Hillcrest's loss of Jonny Fforde from Stretta Cafe is Hilton's gain, particularly for pizza and pasta lovers!
The opportunity offered to him by Mark Heinrich and Patrick Greenaway owners of Artisan Hilton matches Jonny's appetite for a new challenge. After four fulfilling years under Emil Venter at Stretta Café, Irish born Jonny has arrived in Hilton. He has checked out his midlands based competition and is here to fulfil his mission to steer Artisan in the direction he wants it to go.
Jonny's vison is for Artisan is to be known for the best pizza, coffee and service in the area. He sees the restaurant maturing into a vibey, relaxing, café culture destination which offers homely Italian food for the Midlands community.
Stretta patrons who experienced the magic Jonny brought to their tables have expressed sadness at his departure. His fiancé, Gilah and their 10 month old daughter, Erin Lily will join Jonny in Hilton.
By now book club ladies will be asking if Jonny is related to Katie Fforde the romance novelist...the answer is YES! They are cousins and another titbit you may like to know is that John Fforde, the well-known economist associated with The Bank of England, is his uncle.
So far Jonny is thoroughly pleased with Hilton's hedged lanes, rain and mist which provides this Irishman with a fabulous sense of being right at home!