RUNNING a restaurant in Bradford – a city almost synonymous with food and eating out – is never easy, but when you already have a full-time job and a young daughter to look after, it can be even more of a challenge.
It is something that Gladys Lum, of West Bowling, has risen to, however – after she opened L&G African Cuisine.
The restaurant and licenced bar, on Pembroke Street, serves West African food and drinks, some of which can be hard to find elsewhere.
Gladys is a full-time social worker with Bradford Council and balances her role at the restaurant with her job, as well as with looking after her five-year-old daughter.
She works Monday to Friday, and – after the school run – joins a fully-staffed team at L&G in the evenings.
“It’s been hard, but I’m motivated to promote African food and culture in Bradford,” the 30-year-old said.
“So far, we’ve done well. We’ve had a lot of English and South Asian customers, and they love it.
“It’s great that people are coming here and seeing the diversity in food.”
Gladys is originally from Cameroon, and moved to London ten years ago, before settling in Bradford in 2018.
She studied for a masters in social work at the University of Bradford, and in 2019 began delivering food from home.
After word spread and demand grew, L&G African Cuisine moved into its first commercial premises in February.
“My mother had a restaurant, so I grew up in one,” Gladys said.
“When I first moved to Bradford, it was hard to find African food. I traded from home, delivering food to friends and family.
“The African community in Bradford has grown since then, so I thought about opening an actual restaurant.”
Bradford’s diversity is something Gladys thinks makes the city special.
“I love it here, I don’t think I’ll be moving anywhere else,” she said.
“We try to suit all cultures at L&G. One example is making sure our food is halal.
“Moving to Bradford has been very fruitful for me. It’s led to a massive improvement in my life.”
On the menu at L&G is jollof rice, fufu, grilled fish and pastries, to name a few.
“We want it to feel like home for African people in Bradford, and we also want people from other backgrounds to enjoy our culture," Gladys said.
L&G African Cuisine is open from 11am to 1am, seven days a week, and deliveries are available to order on Deliveroo and Foodhub.
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