A FORMER cabin crew manager is drawing on his years of globetrotting to bring flavours from all over the world to Kendal.

Tony Shaw, 49, is the man behind the soon to be opened Pomegranate and Sage at Wainwright’s Yard.

Raised in Grange-over-Sands, Mr Shaw originally trained as a chef at Kendal College but then went on to work for Virgin, British Airways and private charters.

However, after 16 months working for the Holker Group as a contract caterer, he has decided to set up the new delicatessen and eatery.

“I just want to bring something that is healthy, fresh, homemade,” he said. “It’s going to be a delicatessen eatery so there will be a retail side of it.

“We’re going to concentrate on things like gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian.

“We want to cater for someone who wants to come in and eat as many calories as they want as well as people who are really conscious about their diet and want to be healthy.”

Mr Shaw said that the location was ‘fantastic’ for footfall and he chose Kendal for the deli because it was a ‘vibrant town’ that he felt was becoming more ‘foodie’ and offering people a variety of options.

The deli will have a large salad bar on offer and a few hot food choices from the kitchen as well as cakes and desserts.

Influenced by his travels, the deli’s menu will look to offer a range of different cuisines including Chinese, Thai, American, Mexican and classic British.

“If people are really traditional I’m catering for those people but also for people who are wanting to eat more far off flavours and influences,” Mr Shaw said.

Mr Shaw said that he has opted for an industrial urban design, with metal showing, tiled counters and the concrete floor showing.

“I really want to stress that we’re going to be very customer focused,” he said. “I spent 25 years working for an airline and as crew one of the main things is making sure customers get off the plane loving you and loving the airline and that they come back to you.”

Mr Shaw, who lives at the Holker Estate, has recruited four full-time members of staff, three part-time and two Saturday workers in anticipation of his January 29 opening.

Pomegranate and Sage will be open from 9am-5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.