North Lincolnshire husband and wife team up to open military themed restaurant

A North Lincolnshire couple have launched a restaurant serving local and seasonal dishes to Winterton and the surrounding areas, the pair are now seeing success just months into trading with the appointment of an apprentice chef and waiting staff.

The Soldier’s Rest, established in November 2022 by Lee and Ashley Philipson, has 50 years of hospitality experience behind it, with the duo looking to put their skills to good use.

Lee Philipson served in the British Army as a chef for 27 years, cooking all around the world, from operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq to serving dishes to VVVIP guests in Belgium for the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR).

His wife and business partner, Ashley, is a chef by trade and has previous experience working in customer service and front-of-house roles. The duo applied for a Kickstart grant from UKSE, a local investment company that provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing businesses and supports start-up ventures such as The Soldier’s Rest.

Funding from the grant has enabled the restaurant to purchase new freezers and cover overheads, with additional plans to use some of the money to invest in staff uniforms and advertising boards. Opening just last year, the couple had an incredibly successful run-up to Christmas and are expecting an even busier summer this year.

Commenting on the restaurant’s successful start, Ashley Philipson said: “We are still in the very early stages of this venture, but the support we have had so far has been nothing short but incredible.

“The grant from UKSE gave us the boost we needed to get the kitchen running and the restaurant doors open, that support early on was pivotal to our success to date and we are truly thankful.”

Pete Newton, regional executive at UKSE, added: “The growth of the restaurant just months into trading is a testament to the team’s hard work.

“The community in Winterton and surrounding areas will also receive a boost from this venture, both in the jobs that are created and through the supply chain as the couple are dedicated to utilising fresh, local produce. We wish Lee and Ashley the best of luck and look forward to seeing the restaurant’s success over the coming years.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily