In this episode of Be Your Business I meet Chef and owner of Lions Den Mushrooms, Ollie Hunter. Lions Den is an innovative food business that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet through its range of mushroom based sauces and condiments that are nutritious, sustainable and tasty.

Lions Den is a combination of Ollie's background, career journey and unique energy. Brought up in a farming family he’s had a love of food from a young age as well as an appreciation for its provenance.

Ollie’s food career began when he was a contestant on BBC’s Masterchef! Progressing all the way to the semi-finals, it was the catalyst for an exciting period working as a professional chef which included a spell travelling around Europe as a private chef before running a gastropub which became a champion for sustainability. 

While running the pub Ollie’s focus started to shift more towards plant-based cooking and it was lockdown that gave him the opportunity to learn more about food systems and creating positive change. It was during this period that a chance meeting led him to the wonderful world of mushrooms and a lightbulb moment.

Ollie realised mushrooms were the answer. Healthy and nutritious, good for the planet and tasty! It was the impetus to start his own business and Lions Den Mushrooms was launched. Based in Hastings the company focuses on its retail products as well as pop-ups which showcase the benefits of mushrooms.