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.”
Eru soup - a Cameroonian delicacy - is on the menu at L&G (Image: L&G African Cuisine)
Grilled fish at L&G (Image: L&G African Cuisine)
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.
Achu, a local dish from Cameroon (Image: L&G African Cuisine)
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.”
People can eat in or take away at L&G (Image: Telegraph & Argus)
A selection of African drinks available at the licenced bar (Image: Telegraph & Argus)
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.”
Vegetable soup (Image: L&G African Cuisine)
Pastries at the restaurant (Image: L&G African Cuisine)
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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