17/06/2026
A story I've never shared before...
Just as I was preparing to sign the lease for our second Colombo Kitchen restaurant in Putney, I received news that changed everything. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Within weeks, I underwent surgery. Most people would have understood if I had paused the restaurant plans, but after so many years of dreaming, building and working towards this moment, I couldn't bring myself to give up.
Just a few weeks later, we opened our doors in Putney.
Whist I was prioritising training the team, finalising menus, overseeing operations and welcoming our first guests, I was also preparing for chemotherapy. Soon after opening, my treatment began. In between chemotherapy sessions I would still make my way to the restaurant to check on the team, taste the food and make sure everything was running as it should.
It wasn't easy. There were moments of fear, exhaustion and uncertainty. But there was also purpose, passion and the incredible support of my family, team and customers.
Today, when I look around our Putney restaurant, I don't just see a business. I see resilience. I see hope. I see proof that even during the hardest chapters of life, it's possible to keep moving forward.
If there's one thing this experience taught me, it's that strength isn't about never struggling. It's about continuing despite the struggle.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and thank you to the wonderful team at for your expertise during my treatment ❤️
