Chives History
In August 1988 Steve Weaver opened his first restaurant, Chives of Westgate, in
Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. Despite the onset of the recession Chives drew in a steady stream of regular and loyal customers, earning rave reviews. During this phase the first fledgling off-site catering events took place, largely through satisfied customers wanting Chives to cater for weddings, parties, and the like.
Six years on and one of Chives regular customers who operated a successful city-based contract catering invited Steve to run a catering contract in partnership with them and to move Chives restaurant into what was then known as ‘The Old Poor House Hotel’ in between Petham and Waltham near Canterbury. Accepting the invitation enthusiastically, Chives' contract catering business was quickly built up and this gave Steve with Debra Trewerne, his sister, the opportunity to purchase the Hotel outright and re-name it as ‘Waltham Court Hotel and Chives Restaurant’. The restaurant continued to thrive and a burgeoning wedding trade developed, utilising the beautiful hotel gardens. Simon Chipperfield arrived at this time in readiness for the busy future ahead.
Chives was also gaining a momentum and a growing reputation for its off-site catering. By the new millennium Chives was picking up some high profile and regular clients. Debbie Trewerne and Simon Chipperfield joined the full-time team in readiness for the busy future ahead.
In 2004, Waltham Court Hotel was sold to enable Steve, Debbie and Simon to concentrate on Chives The Caterers. Business has grown steadily since then and Chives now also operates full-time location-based contracts, notably with Chives Café @ The Horsebridge and The Lord Wardens Tearooms @ Walmer Castle, which have both been run by Chives for the past 3 years.
With kitchens and offices now based in Whitstable and Chartham respectively, Chives continues its love affair with food and its mission to create the highest possible catering service to the south east.
