Chef Nand: Patience, Perseverance, and Curry: Lessons from a Maidenhead Meeting

estheraustinglobal
Nov 4
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Introduction

Sometimes, the journey is longer, slower, and more frustrating than we expect. But if we stick it out, detours often lead to inspiration, connection, and even a little indulgence. Two weeks ago, a trip to Maidenhead reminded me that patience and perseverance can turn a challenging day into a memorable one.

A Long and Winding Journey

Recently, I had a meeting in Maidenhead. It had already been a long, hectic week — work commitments, and babysitting an unwell grandchild. I was tired but determined to meet Chef Nand at The White Hart Pub, that he runs which is a family friendly destination pub offering Indian-British gastronomy, set in the gorgeous village of Holypot. More than a businessman, Chef Nand of The White Hart Pub is a keeper of wisdom, an entrepreneur with heart, and a master of hospitality who leaves a lasting impression on all who meet him.

I took the Elizabeth Line from Woolwich, thinking the journey would be smooth. Once in Maidenhead, I decided to take the bus. That’s when the adventure began.

The bus stop signs were confusing, and I spent nearly 20 minutes at the wrong stop. Once an hour! My irritation was growing.

I tried calling Chef Nand to say I’d be late — no luck. Texts, missed calls, failed connections… until finally, a landline call connected. Thank heavens for landlines! He offered to pick me up himself. Almost an hour late, I apologized profusely. His warm welcome melted my frustration instantly.

A Feast for More Than the Stomach

I found the White Hart Pub to be quaint, it's decor representative of a village pub, full of character and history resplendent of a typical British fayre. It was cosy and outside under a large white pub umbrella gathered a group of elderly men, beer in hand having a hearty discussion.

Upon sitting down I was offered sparkling water and soon served onion bhajis with dips and poppadums' with a range of chutneys. A green tea followed, and just as I giving thanks for this well-needed light snack a selection of tandoori meats arrived chicken, lamb, and fish full of delicious flavour.

A few minutes later, naan bread appeared, and then the offer of rice with curry. Already full from the starters and meats, I smiled. I had been hungry when I arrived, and this spread felt like a reward.

I felt special. Food has a way of doing that, doesn’t it? They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, I think that applies to all of us. I declined having the rice and curry at that time, as I was quite full, and was pleasantly surprised when it was nicely wrapped up to take away with me with, along with even more dishes,which lasted me for a full week after, however, not before serving me with a delicious desert which I just couldn't say no to. The service provided by the waitress was second to none. Patient and gentle, yet carrying a quiet strength, I felt truly looked after, seen, and acknowledged not just as someone attending a business meeting, but as if she genuinely knew me. Her calm yet compelling presence made it immediately clear that she was one of Chef Nand’s most trusted and valued team members, embodying the same dedication to hospitality and care that defines The White Hart Pub.

A Conversation With Purpose

As we ate, Chef Nand shared his journey his passion for community, his accomplishments, his vision for growth. What struck me most was his humility. He spoke not from ego but from purpose building with integrity and a heart for service.

He showed me articles and awards celebrating his work, but every story carried a lesson in tenacity, hard work, and perseverance. The White Hart itself reflected that spirit an old English pub with warm, nostalgic charm. He spoke passionately about his community and the reason why The White Hart was so popular. It was about community, family. A time for people to come together, to sit around the table to talk, to eat, to share and to carry on a very traditional village tradition of community at the pub. A place where stories are shared, memories are recounted and friendships and bonds are made. Chef Nand shared many powerful moments of inspiration, not just about his life and how he had got to where he was now, but more so his principles for life, his purpose, his road map of life. And I felt so privileged to capture some of that on video, which you can watch below. Hence why he has been nominated and received many awards and has graced covers of magazines and other media, and why he is so well sought after because of the grace he offers and carries for the community.

This was one of those moments where the language of purpose, the language of unity which is so needed today within the vortex of chaos and a global narrative that often seeks division, the words of Chef Nand really touched something in me, so much so that I knew I had to share it with the world. Therefore, whatever you can take away from his message, however it sits within your soul, you too should think, how can I inspire someone, how can I speak purpose into someone's life, because as the song says 'He ain't heavy, he's my brother'.

The Lesson

Sitting there, I realized the day’s frustrations had led to something unexpectedly beautiful. Life tests patience. Plans go awry. Connections fail. But if we stay the course and see the bigger picture, the outcome can be worth every delay and there had been something within me that knew this connection would grow into something special, and even through the frustration, I just knew I had to show up.