MEET THE TEAM

DUNCAN, BIND FOUNDER

I’ve worked in food since I was 14, starting as a pot washer and working my way up to chef before studying Food & Human Nutrition. Whilst at university, I discovered ‘skip diving’ – taking food from supermarket bins – and was shocked by the quantity and quality of the food. During my placement year, at FareShare, I learnt about food surplus redistribution on an industrial scale. Soon after co-founded BIND and have loved every minute since!

JESS, BIND FOUNDER

I’ve worked in hospitality all my life and founded BIND with Duncan after completing a Design Masters looking at positive and creative ways to challenge food systems. I love everything about food, growing, cooking, eating but mostly its ability to bring people together. I work across local food initiatives, designing systems that promote circular and sustainable economies. Alongside developing BIND, I’m completing a PhD in food waste supply chains and donation ethics.

IZAAK, FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

I was born and raised in a small village in the Lake District with only sheep for company. The opportunity to work as part of Magic Hat’s incredible team has meant being able to merge my two passions in life – communities and food. Our incredibly diverse team of volunteers makes every day a new and exciting one, and fighting food waste whilst fighting food cravings means I never go home with an empty stomach. Please come and say hello!

EILIDH, FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

I’m originally from Inverness but moved down to Newcastle nearly three years ago. I’ve been loving getting to know the area and people here ever since. I’m passionate about the environment and was previously a Magic Hat volunteer. I love the buzz about the space and the community of people around such an important issue. It’s been a hard year for us all and I’m excited to get going, meet all the volunteers and serve some delicious food!

LEA, HEAD CHEF

North East born and bred, I started my cooking career at 14 preparing fish at a local hotel. I continued down the hospitality path in Oxford, alongside attending university. I then left these shores to live in New Zealand and Australia, running kitchens in Melbourne, Brisbane and Queenstown before returning home to pursue a growing passion to challenge food waste. I’m excited to show you the possibilities that surplus has with some great food at the Magic Hat!

ARCHIE, HEAD CHEF

I’m a cook and artist from Newcastle. I am excited by collaborating with others and the exchanges that happen when we can share a bit of space, time and a dinner table together. After spending the last year mostly confined to my own kitchen, I’m delighted to be joining the Magic Hat team and can’t wait to meet, and feed, you all!

OUR VOLUNTEER ARMY!

The Magic of the Magic Hat happens because we have an amazing crew of volunteers who help collect, sort, prepare, cook and serve surplus food, we couldn’t do it without them! If you have the time to help us out, sign up for our volunteer newsletter to learn about opportunities to get involved. For queries about volunteering, email volunteers@themagichatcafe.co.uk. 

The Magic Hat Café is a not-for-profit run by BIND. BIND is a not-for-profit food waste hub that promotes positive, creative approaches to reduce food waste and drive behaviour change. We focus our work on changing public attitudes, education, local policy and collaborating with local private, public and third sector organisations to deliver consistent, effective projects to reduce food waste.