A WOMAN who cooked for Dubai royalty has taken over an independent café in Christchurch.

Megan Francis, who used to work at Coast Coffee in High Street, has now become its new owner.

The 25-year-old’s cooking career only began in earnest two years ago when she got her formal chef diploma at the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine in London.

When she applied for her first job after graduating, she had no idea she would be cooking for the Dubai royal family.

“The advertisement only said ‘private family in Dubai’. When I found out who I’d be working for, I was so scared, I thought ‘there’s no way I’m cut out for this’. But I flew out two weeks later and I’m so glad I did.

“It was an incredible experience that involved cooking all sorts of different cuisines. Although I enjoyed being in Dubai, I'm a born and bred Christchurch girl so when the opportunity came up to take over Coast I jumped at it."

Megan, whose passion for cooking began at the age of 11 when she started baking cakes, plans to make homemade cakes for her customers at Coast and improve the sandwich offering.

She said she hopes it will continue to be a successful business.

“I used to work at Coast as an in-between job so I know the ins and outs of the place, and I also know the locals and regulars.

“I'm looking forward to catching up with some familiar faces and welcoming new customers. It's such a popular place I can't wait to get started and build on its success so far.

“The previous owner has been really helpful in teaching me the ropes. I’m very happy they chose me to take over the business – it’s been very full-on, but I’ve had lots of help.

“I want to keep the same, friendly atmosphere where you know your regulars on a first name basis.”