April 13, 2019
Cefinn Sirens - Farm Girl
Rose Mann is co-founder of Portobello Road hotspot, the Farm Girl Cafe. She talks to us about how the idea of a healthy place for brunch became a reality and how her style has to work for multiple meetings in a day as a life of a restaurant owner. Rose lives in West London with her boyfriend and co-founder, Anthony Hood and their two dogs.
How did you come up with the idea for Farm Girl?
The idea started when I moved to Notting Hill and realised there was very little nice places for brunch, good coffee and healthy food. Growing up in Australia, the culture was so different. Brunch and coffee was an art to many of the cafes in Melbourne that I was so familiar with. I quit my job in fashion, went travelling with my boyfriend Anthony (who is now my CFO) to California. That trip really inspired me, so when I got back to London I started looking for a site and never looked back.
What is the dish you serve at Farm Girl that you always re order?
Avocado toast with a poached egg.
What is your advice for setting up your own business?
Listen to others who have done the same, but stick to your gut. Be prepared for disappointment and the unexpected, but when these things hit you try and remember that tomorrow is a new day.
What is the first item of clothing you reach for in your cupboard. Is it a dress or is it jeans?
My daily office uniform is baggy jeans, trainers and a silk shirt- Cefinn do the best ones! I’m a comfort dresser but I have meetings with clients, suppliers, potential investors every week so feel that I have to look a little professional! I haven’t taken off my pink Cefinn coat yet, my staff actually keep laughing at me as I have literally worn it everyday for the last 3 weeks.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My perfect happiness is having all of my family, extended family, Anthony’s family and my dogs together at my favourite place in Surrey for a weekend in Summer. This to me is perfect because I have many young nieces and nephews in Australia and getting them all here at the same time is near impossible.
What is your greatest fear?
Being trapped in a tiny space.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
'like' and 'amazing' (trying to stop!)
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. They continue to amaze me. They have been through so much and they continue to be the most supportive parents and incredible friends to their friends. I have watched them drop everything to support anyone who needs help. They have the cutest, most loving relationship and have been married for 40 years. We have a huge family which is never easy, but they have done an incredible job making sure all of us are happy and supported.
Tomorrow is a new day. Very important in my line of work, as everyday you have brand new customers, so it’s as if we are nearly given a clean slate every morning.
Tomorrow is a new day. Very important in my line of work, as everyday you have brand new customers, so it’s as if we are nearly given a clean slate every morning.
Which book/movie/TV series changed your life?
Book- 'Feel the fear and do it anyway’ I read it 5 years ago and it helps me become myself, understand and address my anxiety issues.
How do you relax?
Have a cup of tea, exercise, walk dogs or call my mum.
How do you relax?
Have a cup of tea, exercise, walk dogs or call my mum.
The Farm Girl's Instagram: @farmgirlcafe