Owners of new Forest Gate pizzeria hit back at vandals

Owners Bethany Chellingworth and Misty Cudahy outside Corner Kitchen in Forest Gate (Image: Archant)

Corner Kitchen, in Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, was opened on Monday by local mums Misty Cudahy, 35, and Bethany Chellingworth, 31, serving breakfast, lunch and pizza every day of the week.

But on only the third day of trade, the pair were greeted by an encircled “A” and writing across the windows, when they opened up this morning.

“It’s just sad really, we’re not Starbucks,” said Misty, of nearby Woodford Road.

“We’re just two mums working extremely hard to try and get our business up and running off the ground, and hopefully bringing something new to Forest Gate.

Owners Bethany Chellingworth and Misty Cudahy outside Corner Kitchen in Forest Gate (Image: Archant)

“The building has been empty for 15 years so we’re really not pushing anyone out of the high street either, we’re just to improve a derelict building.”

Currently balancing the business around Misty’s six-month-old boy Atlas and Bethany’s two-year-old girl Penelope, the pair’s family-friendly cafe features a special children’s area and will also host weekly classes.

Keen to promote community food, chef Sophie Downer, from East Ham, makes everything from granola to chutney on-site using local ingredients where possible.

In September, the Cereal Killer Cafe in Shoreditch was attacked by anti-gentrification protestors with paint and the word ‘scum’ daubed across the eatery.

And although saddened by the incident, Misty insists it won’t affect their goal.

“We’ve got a 10-year lease so we’re here to stay,” she added.

“We’ve actually had a lot wonderful support so far – people are coming in and really, really loving the food, so we’re delighted with the feedback.

“We’re really proud of ourselves.”

Visit cornerkitchen.london for more information.