WHO WE ARE

Darren Fitzpatrick, Director of Catering and Supply (South West)

Darren’s career in customer services and solutions exceeds 25 years, with dedicated culinary knowledge for more than 15.

A renowned product specialist, who has worked with the very best in the South West, he has long been regarded as the region’s foremost authority on restaurant supply.

Previous to 2012, Darren was the director of the most recognised high-end restaurant supply company in the South West. Today in 2015 and now part of The French Garden, his dedicated divisions enjoy full, unrestricted access to all three major markets, Bristol, New Covent Garden and Rungis, Paris.

Darren heads up both of French Garden’s supply divisions - French Garden Catering and Exclusive Supply and together with his team possesses a combined total of 65 years un-surpassed gastronomic know how!

James Hood, Head of Catering (South West)

James, who was born and raised in Bristol, is one of the hardest working people we have ever met. Originally from a non-food background, fortune smiled on The French Garden when James stepped to provide what was originally temporary driving cover for just a couple of weeks!

We instantly saw his potential and convinced him to stay on and learn every aspect of high-end restaurant supply from the ground up. His is one of The French Garden’s many success stories, as three years later, James is now a product specialist, master buyer and has responsibility for all the packing and quality processes for the Exclusive Supply division of the company.

A dedicated family man, James is one of the many reasons Exclusive Supply continues to leave its rivals in the shade.

Mark Farrington, Head of Customer Accounts (South West)

For those who haven’t met Mark (there are VERY few) he is a true tour de force in proactive account management within the South West.

A father of four, Mark is known and respected by everyone and considers a 16 hour a day, six day a week schedule as standard procedure. With a phone battery that never dies and an attitude that doesn’t let customers down, he is regarded as much for his tireless effort as he is his brilliant personality.

The French Garden struck gold when Mark joined us in 2014 as his wealth of experience, enthusiasm and knowledge are one of the reasons our customers enjoy hassle-free service with absolute peace of mind.

Sue Groves, Head of Finance (South West)

Sue has been working in the finance and administration sector for over 16 years, first starting out in administration, HR and finance positions with Bristol’s largest law firm.

From there she moved into finance within the food services industry, before finding her way to the French Garden several years later. A mum of one, Sue has been a revelation in making sure our customer accounts run smoothly and works within the best practice framework at all times.

Extremely well regarded within our business Sue’s continued coordination of finance and administration makes, not only our customers but, all of our lives so much easier.