Meet the Masterminds Behind Blend Family: Our Founders Matt & Nina Bigland
(A leap of faith, and a lot of really good food.)
Every great meal starts with a spark, and for Blend family, that spark came from two people with big dreams and an empty pub.
Back in 2006, Matt and Nina Bigland took a leap that some might call bold (and others might call completely bonkers): they bought an abandoned pub in Sheffield’s Kelham Island. No customers, no guarantees, just a vision. That leap became The Milestone, an award-winning gastro pub that didn’t just serve brilliant food; it helped shape Sheffield’s modern food scene.
But they didn’t stop there.
After a trip through Asia (part research, part delicious detour), Matt and Nina fell in love with food halls. The clatter of shared plates, the joy of mismatched furniture, the buzz of people coming together over food from every corner of the globe, it stuck with them. And they brought it home.
Cutlery Works in Sheffield was their first, transforming an old cutlery factory into a vibrant, multi-kitchen mashup of culture and cuisine. It became a place where street food met soul food, and where strangers left as regulars. Since then, they’ve created Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield, Kargo MKT in Manchester, and now Tower Bridge Collective in London. Each one was built with heart, hustle, and more than a few coffee-fuelled late nights.
But don’t let the success fool you. Matt and Nina are still the kind of people who’ll roll up their sleeves, clear tables, and chat to Food Partners like old friends. They care deeply about the stories behind the dishes, about championing independent food talent, and about making every guest feel like part of the family.
They’re the reason we exist, the force behind every space we open, and yes, our bosses. (So if they’re reading this… great job, team!)
Because to them, Blend Family isn’t a brand. It’s a belief that food has the power to connect us, to create joy, and to build communities that feel like home (even if you’re miles away from yours).
So next time you’re tucking into a bao, a burger, or a killer gyros at one of our places, just know: You’re part of something bigger. A story that started with a rundown pub, picked up flavours from around the world, and is now helping others build something of their own.
For Matt and Nina, it was never just about what’s on the plate; it’s always been about who’s around it. A movement that champions independent Food Partners, reimagines overlooked spaces, and proves that when food is made with heart, it can change everything.
