Classic Cuisine was the brainchild of its founder Robert Bradshaw, who with a wealth of experience in the catering industry knew there was a need to create a high quality food business.  Robert studied at the Birmingham College of Food in 1960-1962 and gained vast experience working in London’s Park Lane Hotel and the famous Mulberry Tree Restaurant as a Sous Chef in Stratford Upon Avon and also as Head Chef in the Cotswold House Hotel in Chipping Camden.

Robert joined Lucas Industries Plc in Birmingham and eventually became north west area catering manager covering their Lancashire and Yorkshire factories, responsible for upgrading and creating a restaurant approach to traditional contract catering.

We opened our first Simply Classic Bistro in 2002 at Shuttleworth Mead Business Park as well as continuing to caterer for special occasions, private and corporate outside events.

2014/2015 has seen the family business develop further opening a small café in the Lancashire Digital Technology Centre and forming a strong partnership with Burnley Leisure at Burnley Mechanics Theatre and the Prairie Sports Village and Golf Driving Range.

Having worked at Lloyds Bank in Birmingham for 15 years Ann has gained valuable experience for supporting the family business in bookkeeping. In at the deep end in the early days of Classic Cuisine Anne quickly learned how to cook, prepare buffets and help cater for large functions and events. Although the business has grown and changed in many ways Anne is still heavily involved, doing even more bookwork and making her legendary sticky toffee pudding!

Daughter to Robert & Anne and sister to Joanne, Sally also trained at Nelson & Colne College and has worked at the Bay Horse Roughlee and Northcote Mannor. Sally started work and became a partner of Classic Cuisine in 2002 and now runs the business with Chris and Joanne. Sally’s main responsibilities within the business include management of Simply Classic Padiham, staffing and event management.

Chris studied at Nelson & Colne College and has previously worked at the Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey, The Bay Horse Roughlee and Claridges in London. Chris started work and became a partner of Simply Classic in 1998 and now runs the business with Sally and Joanne. Chris’s main responsibilities within the business include executive chef, business development and financial management.

Daughter to Robert & Anne and sister to Sally, Joanne trained at Nelson & Colne College and has worked at the Bay Horse Roughlee. Joanne started work and became a partner of Classic Cuisine in 2003 and now runs the business with Chris & Sally. Joanne’s main responsibilities within the business include day to day management of Simply Classic Bistro Padiham and supporting the businesses outside catering arm.

Michael began working for Simply Classic in early 2008 and in this time has been involved in many important and high profile events. We have recently taken the decision to appoint Michael as the Head Chef of our flagship bistro at Shuttleworth Mead working closely with Chris, Sally and Joanne combining his and their passion for food, Michael enjoys the challenge of creating menus for the most discerning of customers. Michael started catering at an early age working for his parents whilst studying at Nelson & Colne College along with Chris, Sally and Joanne.