Jay Burgesson-Carter
Founder & Director

Jay’s doting English mum and West African dad surrounded him with food, tradition and culture. From his fond memories visiting his Ghanaian family in West London to serving drinks at his parent’s legendary dinner parties he caught the hospitality bug early, which has driven him ever since.

Fifteen years and thousands of events later, he has extensive knowledge leading several of the Capital’s award-winning events catering companies, acquiring & managing exclusive venue contracts and preferred supplier status whilst working alongside and representing major blue-chip clients, luxury brands, celebrity chefs, British Royalty and leading industry event agencies. He believes in keeping his finger on the pulse and visits Africa amongst many other food meccas every year – for research of course!

What’s your favourite venue? The Tower of London

What’s your favourite food? All of it (except baked beans, I have an actual phobia)

One unusual event experience you’ve had? It's not for public consumption.

Guilty food pleasure? Fish and chips, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of my life and be content – gosh that’s boring isn’t it!

Best thing about The Ripe Avocado? We're a privately owned startup so get to make our own rules.

Samuel Baeza
Executive Chef

Samuel has hospitality running through his veins after training to become an air steward in his native Seville he decided it was time to follow the bright lights of London working in some of the capitals hottest new restaurants and private members clubs before moving to The Gherkin as Head Chef catering for weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.

After a successful stint working as Head Chef for Dishpatch and with notable chefs such as Angela Hartnett, Fergus Henderson and José Pizarro to deliver their Michelin starred meals to peoples’ homes he relished the opportunity to join Jay on the Avocado journey.

What’s your favourite venue? Royal Exchange and The Gherkin.

What’s your favourite food? Quite hard for me as I'm a food lover, but I’m passionate about Japanese and grandma's food from Seville, a really good pot of braised beef cheeks! It brings back so many warm memories of family gatherings and special occasions.

One unusual event experience you’ve had? Whilst working at the Gherkin, the whole city had a power cut, and we have to evacuate the building  (41 floors) quite scary and painful.

Guilty food pleasure? Anything deep-fried, in particular chicken! 

Best thing about The Ripe Avocado? The freedom of shaping an independent company with a great team.

Lucy Robinson
Senior Sales & Events Planner

Born and raised in sunny Lancashire, Lucy moved to London in 2015 to study Interior and Spatial Design at the Chelsea College of Art where her part-time job landed her in the buzzing London events scene. She earned her hospitality stripes working for a multitude of the great London event caterers and across a portfolio of prestigious venues. Lucy caught the creative bug and moved into a full-time events and social media role before joining a specialist venue management caterer and becoming Head of her own venue where she met Jay. After many successful years working together, Lucy decided to join him on The Ripe Avocado adventure.

What’s your favourite venue? The Orangery at Kew Gardens - SO beautiful!

What’s your favourite food? I still dream about an Nduja pasta I had in Calabria - I imagine that's how heaven tastes.

One unusual event experience you’ve had? A Halloween themed wedding in a church basement - beautiful but...interesting.

Guilty food pleasure? Dairy milk chocolate.

Best thing about The Ripe Avocado? Us - the team!