Oklava founders launch hospitality consultancy

Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie, co-founders of Oklava restaurant in London’s Shoreditch, have launched hospitality consultancy business Quince + Co.

The pair have experience working with chefs and groups including Peter Gordon, the Salt Yard Group and Waitrose.

Quince + Co will provide aspiring restaurants with Kiazim’s expertise in menu development, chef training and kitchen management; while Christie will offer her experience in operational challenges, front-of-house training and wine consultancy. It will offer training programmes from both partners designed with hospitality launches, relaunches and revivals in mind.

Christie said: “The past few years have challenged the hospitality industry like never before with Brexit and the pandemic shaking our foundations. Despite it all, Selin and I have come out the other side fully convinced of the potential and the staying power of hospitality. We want to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs that see that potential too, working with them to launch projects and develop concepts that will move this industry forward.”

Kiazim added: “Working for other chefs and companies, as well as building Oklava together, was the best learning school Laura and I could have wished for. At times it was tough and we were forced to challenge ingrained biases and preconceptions that we know others have faced too, but we have come away with on-the-ground experience and a desire to do things differently. We’re excited to pour all of this into Quince + Co and help other entrepreneurs and companies develop and build beautiful, durable concepts.”