CJ’s Kitchen is a new venture that blends a passion for cooking with the joy of delivering exceptional food to satisfied customers. Having previously created and run Gourmet Kitchen in Folkestone for nearly five years which is now under new ownership, Corinne has started a new unrelated business. CJ’s Kitchen is a fresh take on oven ready dishes and combines her love of cooking with the pleasure of providing great food to happy customers, shifti ng gears to offer something fresh and exciting.

At CJ’s Kitchen, the focus is on quality and freshness. Only the finest ingredients are used, and no preservatives are added, ensuring that all oven-ready dishes are made from scratch. These dishes are delivered chilled, with a two-day shelf life in the fridge or can be frozen for added convenience—ideal for stocking up on delicious meals. 

Corinne began her career in retail at Harrods and has always had a deep passion for good food, a love likely inherited from her mother, a fabulous cook. This passion for food has been a guiding force throughout her career, particularly the joy of sharing food and drink with friends and family around a table. 

Early on, she moved into hospitality to supplement her earnings at Harrods, which led to a steady progression through various roles. These included managing a renowned brasserie in Sloane Square, London, developing concepts for both corporations and small businesses, and overseeing national food product development for Costa Coffee, among others.

After spending many years in London, raising her children, and building a career, she relocated to Folkestone eight years ago to escape the high cost of private rentals in London. What started as a move for a change of pace soon turned into a life that surpassed expectations. Running her own business, making new friends, and living by the sea has significantly improved her quality of life. However, it hasn’t been without challenges, including the loss of both her dog and her job within weeks of moving down here.

After a period of reflection, she decided to create her own concept, which led to the founding of Gourmet Kitchen. Though it wasn’t the ideal time to launch a business, as it coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the business adapted and managed to persevere through the challenges. The creative process of developing Gourmet Kitchen, from crafting the concept and building a close-knit team to seeing satisfied customers enjoying the offerings, was particularly rewarding. This same passion and drive are what she brings to CJ’s Kitchen, with the same goal: to provide delicious, unpretentious, fresh food that people can enjoy at home, whether at a table or on their lap, with friends and family.

The weekly changing menu features a variety of savoury meat and vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, sides, homemade soups, locally made cakes, and more. Unlike traditional take-away services, CJ’s Kitchen provides a healthier alternative for when cooking isn’t on the agenda, but there’s still a desire for nutritious and tasty food. Whether it’s a family dinner, a small gathering, or a meal for one after a busy day, CJ’s Kitchen has something to satisfy all appetites.

To order, simply pre-order as you would your groceries. The menu is updated every Saturday for the upcoming week, and customers can choose from different dishes available each day. Orders can be placed by phone, message, or email, either in advance or by 6 p.m. for next-day delivery. Deliveries take place Tuesday to Friday between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with flexibility available for customers if these times don’t fit their schedule.