Vegan chef, Rikki Wilson - Okrasa has been appointed to one of the most coveted roles at True North Brew Co., Head Chef, at The Old House on Devonshire Street in time for re-opening on 19th May.
Originally based at The Common Room, Rikki joined True North Brew Co. in 2020 just before the first national lockdown. Due to his short employment period, he was not eligible for the government’s furlough scheme when all hospitality venues were forced to close.
As such, the company, who operates 12 venues across South Yorkshire, decided to keep Rikki employed throughout lockdown in a development role to cultivate the vegan offering in True North Brew Co. venues. Starting with The Common Room, a venue already well-established in Sheffield’s vegan scene, before moving onto Forum Kitchen + Bar and The Waggon and Horses.
Speaking about his motivations behind joining True North, Rikki Wilson – Okrasa said: "I've been a Chef specialising in vegan food for just over a decade now, in the past couple of years I've particularly focused on the development of faux meat/dairy products.
“Having worked with a few vegan independents in Sheffield developing menus over the years, True North Brew Co. seemed the next logical step being both independent and open to innovation”.
In his new role running The Old House’s kitchen, Wilson - Okrasa will work with Joel Granger, General Manager; and Thomas Hay Owens, Group Beverage Co-ordinator to eventually turn The Old House into a complete vegan city centre cocktail bar.
Joel Grainger, General Manager at The Old House proudly talks about the evolution: “As more people are opting for vegan food, either as a complete lifestyle change, or simply opting to reduce their meat intake, we have decided to help make that journey easier, with our 100% vegan offering.
“The Old House has committed to a fully vegan menu to eliminate the worry of trying to decipher what you can and can’t eat. And with our new takeaway service via Uber Eats and City Grab, we’re still here for you when you can’t make it into the city centre, or just fancy staying in!
“I believe that our vegan food tastes so good it doesn’t matter if you’re vegan, vegetarian or neither of the above, we will have something you will enjoy.
In September, The Old House announced its collaboration with Henderson’s Relish to bring the city a truly Sheffield oriented bar. This alliance will continue as planned and customers will still enjoy hearty food and cocktails with a splash and stir of Hendo’s throughout.
As the only city centre venue serving a menu that’s completely meat free, you can expect an all-day brunch, pies, kebabs, burgers, desserts, and Sunday roasts. Look at the menu and book your table now via: www.theoldhousesheffield.com.
