Claire Woodier, freelance chef and Mum is busy cooking homemade pies and ‘dinners-in’ from her kitchen near High Lea Park in High Oeak town of New Mills. Claire moved to New Mills two and a half years ago with her daughter Evie. As a result of being made redundant during lockdown one, Claire started cooking to try and replace her income. Claire started her cooking career 14 years ago, stepping in to help in a family café on Manchester’s New Smithfield Market feeding the workers and buyers. “Smithfield is a wholesale fruit, veg, meat and fish market. I was cooking hot specials every day for the workers and buyers there, using the wonderful fresh seasonal produce I was immersed in.” The café had to close after rent and rates were raised, but Claire kept the handle. “I choose what to cook by looking around the market for inspiration. She also has plans to collaborate with local producers for future menus. Claire now cooks homemade pies and ‘dinners-in’ from her home kitchen. “The response has been overwhelming!” she gushes. “People are so happy to have something other than the usual takeaways on a weekend, and I’ve been truly touched that others are sending my pies as gifts to their parents and grandparents.” Claire takes orders from her online shop from Friday’s through to Tuesday mornings, ready for delivery the following Thursday and Friday.   “I can’t cook them quick enough!” She laughs. “I need to recruit someone local to deliver them.”  Claire can also cater private events, and has just published her Valentines Menu. Check her out on Instagram or Facebook to see her latest menus leave her a DM to enquire about the delivery job. Her online shop is here ...