A former journalist who was thwarted by the coronavirus lockdown has finally been able to launch his new home dinner party catering business.

Pete Wallace founded Cooks in your Kitchen last August, offering dinner parties in people’s homes specialising in traditional Greek country cooking.

But just days after he launched the company’s website at the end of October, the second nationwide lockdown began.

Pete, pictured, was group assistant editor at Newsquest’s Stourbridge division for many years, where he was responsible for looking after the Stourbridge News, Halesowen News, Dudley News, Kidderminster Shuttle, Redditch Advertiser and Bromsgrove Advertiser.

He told the News: “It’s been a frustrating time, as it has for so many businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, but it’s great to be able to take bookings now.

“The concept is simple – we shop, cook and clean up, leaving clients to enjoy their home dinner party spending time with their friends and family instead of slaving over a hot stove – not to mention all that washing up afterwards.

“I’ve cooked dinner parties for crowds more times than I can remember, and know exactly what it’s like to invite people round then find yourself too busy to spend quality time with them.”