A couple’s culinary adventure through Thailand has culminated in a new restaurant in Ramsbottom, which is already outperforming expectations just weeks after opening.
Sawadee Thai Dining, founded by Mylo Sedgley-Phillips and his partner Ketsara Lumb (pictured), has received a £50,000 funding boost through the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance.
The restaurant, which offers traditional Thai dishes rarely seen in the UK, was inspired by a three-month trip the pair took across Thailand.
Originally from Thailand, Ketsara brings time-honoured cooking techniques and family recipes to the kitchen. Mylo, whose background includes hospitality and sales, helped translate their shared vision into a fully-fledged business.
The pair secured the maximum loan of £25,000 each to refurbish a premises in the town and purchase essential kitchen equipment.
Before opening, the couple worked closely with the Ramsbottom community to gauge demand. They found an appetite for more diverse cuisine in a town already enjoying a burgeoning bar scene. Sawadee Thai Dining was launched to meet that demand, with an emphasis on authentic methods and a welcoming atmosphere.
The reception has been immediate. In its first month, the restaurant delivered around five times its projected revenue, fuelled largely by word of mouth. The couple credit the town’s residents for helping them gain traction so quickly.
“Our dream has always been to open a Thai restaurant, and when we found the perfect site in Ramsbottom we knew it was the right move,” said Mylo Sedgley-Phillips.
“The Start Up Loan made starting the business easier, and John and the rest of the GCBF team were incredibly supportive throughout. The funding gave us the breathing room we needed to do things efficiently. We’ve already had lots of support from the local community, so I’m excited to continue growing our business.”
Alex Mearns, head of start up lending at GC Business Finance, said the pair’s “commitment to bringing truly authentic Thai food to Ramsbottom has helped them build Sawadee Thai Dining into a thriving business”.
He added: “They’re a great example of how the Start Up Loans programme supports entrepreneurs, giving them the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.”
Delyth Edwards, senior network manager for the North West at the British Business Bank, said: “The success of Mylo and Ketsara demonstrates how targeted funding can help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential.
“Sawadee Thai Dining has already made its mark in Ramsbottom, and we’re proud to have been part of its growth journey.”
