Goodness, it feels like ages since I shared an amazing Kent Mum in Business with you all…
I always knew that an August feature was going to be a stretch - oh how I love you Summer Holidays (!)
…and this beautiful Mummy has been patiently waiting in the wings for her moment in the spotlight (which I am very grateful for)
So without further ado...
This month I am delighted to introduce you to the amazing Brooke Duke, Kent Mum of Two and the heart and soul behind Dukes Graze – a Maidstone-based business specialising in grazing tables, platters, and grazing boxes for intimate gatherings and larger events.
I recently spent a lovely morning with Brooke, I got to see her in action creating one of her mouth-watering grazing boxes, and we chatted all about her wonderful business...
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
Dukes Graze specializes in grazing tables, platters, and grazing boxes!
You’ll find a variety of options, from cheese and charcuterie to classic afternoon tea and brunch spreads (perfect for bridal parties on the morning of a wedding, FYI!).
I absolutely love creating bespoke grazing boxes too! Vegan box for your mother-in-law? Let’s make it happen! Themed platter for your kid's birthday? I’m all in!
Anything that sparks my creativity gets my full passion and dedication.
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
Isn’t it just so hard to big yourself up! Makes me cringe a little bit to be honest!
There are some amazing caterers out there offering beautiful grazing tables, but I think what sets me apart is the rustic style I bring to mine, along with the small touches that really make a grazing table or platter stand out!
I’m super creative - I didn’t want to just throw some salami and cheese on a table; I want to make it look like a work of art.
I pour my heart and soul into designing every grazing table so it has that WOW factor.
I also love supporting the community.
Recently, I helped raise money for BOUNsen CIC, a charity that puts on play sessions for disabled and autistic children.
This is super important to me because my son is autistic, and finding a safe, inclusive place for him locally during half terms has been a game changer. So I just had to support them!
I help where I can donating raffle prizes to community groups, local football clubs, preschools and I recently had a surplus graze box so I gifted it to a deserving elderly member of the community!
I only started out in October 2023 so I’m a new small business but I love giving back when I can!
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from a mix of things - I’ve always had a creative flair but obviously I’m a huge foodie and I love exploring and learning about different cultures and how they do food!
Whenever I travel I HAVE to try the local speciality wherever I go - although I haven’t braved snails in France yet eeek. I’m yet to be convinced that a little slimy creature from the garden can be tasty just because it’s been doused in garlic haha!
But I have to say, my absolute favourite is Greek mezze and Spanish tapas, just give me all the Patatas Bravas, chilli prawns and delicious dips with flatbreads!
Ultimately it’s about sharing great food with your loved ones and big flavours.
To me, a grazing table is like the British version of these, but I also get to include some of the amazing dishes/foods from those cuisines! Mezze, Tapas, grazing tables all a similar concept but it brings people together and that is what I love!
What is your favourite part of your job?
THE FOOD!
Just kidding - food is obviously a huge part of it, but my favourite part of creating grazing tables is watching them come together.
You really have to trust the process.
Sometimes I’ll put down the cheese, and it looks so lonely and sad, and I start doubting myself, thinking it’s not coming together. But as you keep adding to it, that’s where the magic happens.
It’s like starting a puzzle! At first, it’s disjointed, doesn’t flow, and looks odd.
But as you piece it all together, it transforms into something beautiful, leaving you with a gorgeous piece of art in the end.
And in my opinion grazing tables are a work of art!
...and I can’t forget to mention my clients!
After all the back-and-forth messages and Zoom calls, seeing their faces when the grazing table is complete is priceless.
They’re trusting me to design a spread that will wow them and their guests for a special occasion.
They come to me because they want something a little different - not just a beige buffet (no disrespect, by the way, I’ll never say no to a chicken nugget or sausage roll haha!)
But grazing tables give you that perfect blend of stunning presentation and absolutely delicious food!
I’ll always be forever grateful to those who trust me with such an important part of their special occasion - I wouldn’t be here without them!
If you are looking for a beautiful and unique way to celebrate a special occasion (or a random Tuesday –you don’t always need a reason to treat yourself 😉) head over to Brooke’s website here and make sure you give her a follow on social media:
Claire xx