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DINAS POWYS
The Huntsman welcomes back Hilary
I recently met with Hilary Rice,
Chef at The Huntsman in Dinas
Powys and her husband Peter in
their lovely sunny garden.
Hilary has been out of action
recently due to illness but she
wants everyone to know that she’s
on the road to wellness and
looking forward to taking back the
helm in the restaurant.
What’s the background to The
Huntsman in Dinas Powys?
It was an 18th Century workshop and
stables attached to The Star. It was
converted to a skittle alley then a
restaurant in the 1970’s. It’s had various
owners, then was empty for one year
before we acquired it in 1993.
How long has The Huntsman been
going?
It’s been owned by us now for fifteen
years.
Why did you set it up?
As I enjoyed cooking I was looking for
a small business to provide good quality
food and service in cosy surroundings.
Who is involved in the business?
Myself and husband Peter and a small
number of part time helpers – al keen,
bright local students.
When did you become ill?
I was aware of a problem at the end of
September, 2007 but didn’t feel ill.
Following an operation to remove a
lump, ovarian cancer was diagnosed
mid October.
What treatment are you having?
After a successful operation, I have had
ten sessions of chemotherapy at
Velindre Hospital in Whitchurch over
a three month period, to help prevent
any remaining cancer cells from
reproducing.
How long will you need treatment?
I will need further CTI scans in the
future which will determine if any
other treatment is required.
When do you anticipate being back
in work?
I intend to go back on a part time basis
in April and then full time by mid May.
Who is holding fort in the kitchen?
Peter’s brother-in-law Mathew Canning.
A chef with thirty years experience. He
was chef at Gibsons and Quails in
Romilly Crescent in Canton. We are
very grateful that he was able to step in
at such short notice.
How do you feel today?
I feel really good. I’m pleased to have
finished the chemo sessions – although
I feel lucky to have had very few side
effects and felt fine most of the time
through it.
Are you looking forward to getting
back to work?
Yes and no. It will be good to get back
to normal but in many ways I have
thoroughly enjoyed having nearly six
months off. It’s given me time to spend
with my friends, socialising, enjoying a
spot of retail therapy, lunches out, long
walks, even shopping trips. Basically
doing lots of things which running a
business doesn’t give you the time for.
All of these things and lots of caring
peoples’ thoughts and phone calls have
helped with my recuperation.
“As I enjoyed cooking I was looking for a small business to provide good quality food and service in cosy surroundings.”
The Huntsman
At the rear of The Star pub,
Dinas Powys
029 2051 4900
Hours of opening
Tues to Sat 7pm - 9.30pm for dinner
Thurs to Sun 12pm - 2pm for lunch |
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