About us
Mary’s Cooking Pot brings people together through the vibrant flavours of East African Cuisine and a passion for delicious, fresh prepared food. We cater for all occasions, from intimate family gatherings to large celebrations, offering a diverse menu that celebrates both traditional East African dishes and global favourites. At Mary’s Cooking Pot, every meal is made with love, authenticity, and a touch of spice that tells a story. Whether you’re craving the rich aromas of Swahili cooking, the warmth of home-style stew, or a modern twist on classic dishes. We are here to make every event unforgettable.
Mary Mwakibete
Founder, Owner & Executive Chef
The Story Behind The Name
Cooking has always been woven into the fabric of my soul.
My foundation was built inside Mama’s Cooking Pot, a beloved restaurant owned by my grandmother. Her kitchen was my classroom, where the rich aromas of simmering spices and the comforting warmth of her hospitality became my greatest teachers. By the age of twelve, I was balancing schoolwork while helping manage the floor—learning early on that food is far more than sustenance; it is leadership, responsibility, and a profound act of love.
At twenty-five, I proudly stepped into that legacy and took ownership of the restaurant, keeping our family's vibrant spirit alive.
That lifelong journey naturally inspired the creation of Mary’s Cooking Pot, my catering company. Built on the foundation my grandmother laid, Mary’s Cooking Pot is a living continuation of her story. It is our way of expanding her table beyond four walls—bringing the true, loving heart of African hospitality, rich tradition, and extraordinary flavors directly to your special events.
Every dish we craft is a tribute to where we came from, a celebration of community, and an invitation to gather around the table as family.
About Mary
The Heart Behind Mary’s Cooking Pot
Before following her soul’s true calling back into the kitchen, Mary practised as a qualified lawyer both in Tanzania and right here in the UK. While the legal world taught her precision, meticulous care, and unwavering standards of excellence, her heart has always belonged around the table.
Her culinary journey began wrapped in the rich, soul-soothing aromas of her grandmother’s kitchen. It was there, guided by generations of wisdom, that Mary learned how simple, honest ingredients could be lovingly transformed into vibrant, spiced dishes that nourish both body and spirit.
Built from Scratch, Powered by Passion
Every single menu, concept, recipe, and experience you see at Mary’s Cooking Pot is created and designed directly by Mary herself. From initial vision to final presentation, she built this business from the ground up through pure dedication, creative energy, and an enduring love for authentic food.
Cooking is Mary’s absolute joy, her passion, and her love letter to the world. She pours her whole heart and soul into every dish, pairing her vibrant heritage flavours with the professional rigour of certified qualifications in Food Hygiene & Safety (HACCP) and Food Allergen Management. For Mary, taking meticulous care of your safety, comfort, and peace of mind is second nature.
Putting Community First — In Knowle & Beyond
Above all else, Mary is immensely proud to be rooted in Knowle. She believes that great food should do far more than just taste wonderful—it should build bridges, heal loneliness, and foster genuine human connection.
By placing community at the very centre of her mission, Mary actively uses her cooking to reduce social isolation. Through initiatives like The Knowle Community Table, she creates open, welcoming spaces where neighbours become friends, traditions are shared, and no one ever has to eat alone.
Whether she is guiding a lively masterclass, catering a milestone celebration, or hosting a community gathering, Mary’s dream remains the same: to bring people together through rich culture, unforgettable food, and heart-centered hospitality—in Knowle and beyond.
Jasmine Ng
Creative & Marketing Consultant for Mary's Cooking Pot
Hi, I’m Jasmine Ng! It’s been so rewarding to watch Mary’s Cooking Pot thrive in its first year. I recently joined the team as a Creative & Marketing Consultant to help build this website, shape our brand identity, and guide our web design and marketing direction. Having spent years steering design and marketing projects across Hong Kong and the UK, I truly love helping brands connect with their audience through thoughtful design. Feel free to visit [my personal homepage] to explore my portfolio and see how we can collaborate on your next project!
Roger Kennedy
International director
Born in Tanzania, Roger shares a deep love for East African food, culture, and hospitality. As International Director, he guides our vision and growth, ensuring rich heritage and community spirit remain at the heart of Mary’s Cooking Pot
David Burns
Fire, Health & Safety Risk Consultant
David has dedicated over 30 years of his life to the fire service in the West Midlands, demonstrating extraordinary courage, commitment and selflessness throughout his career.
His dedication to helping others has taken him far beyond the UK, travelling across the world to support communities devastated by natural disasters, including earthquakes, where he has played a vital role in search and rescue operations.
David's courage and bravery have been recognised with the prestigious George Medal, awarded for acts of exceptional bravery.
His commitment to saving lives, supporting those in their darkest moments and making a difference to communities around the world is truly inspiring.
At Mary's Cooking Pot, we feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have David as part of our team. His compassion, experience and dedication reflect everything we stand for: helping others, bringing communities together and making a meaningful difference to people's lives.
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Meet Our Lovely Team
Our team is a beautiful reflection of the world. With people bringing their roots and experiences from Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong and the UK, we are proud to be a diverse family united by one passion: great food.
Every culture has a story, every kitchen has a tradition, and every dish carries a little piece of home. We bring these stories together, blending cultures, flavours and ideas to create something truly special.
We are not just a team from different countries; we are one family with different stories, shared values and a common love for food.
