The Agata Effect

There’s a new face at the Rusty Pig in Ottery St Mary - one that means business.

Agata Domarecka joins the team at the ethical eaterie as restaurant manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the catering industry.

Agata, known as Agy, came to the UK 10 years ago from Poland after being discovered waitressing by Devon hoteliers who offered her a job in Lynton. After a spell at the Talland Bay Hotel she found herself at Combe House Hotel, now The Pig, where she was soon promoted to restaurant manager. Under the auspices of then owners Ken and Ruth Hunt, Agy became immersed in the benefits of using local and seasonal produce. She said:

“Ken and Ruth were passionate about the South West and the wonderful ingredients we have on our doorstep. They taught me so much about understanding not just products but also how to work with suppliers.”

Stints at the Railway in Honiton and River Cottage in Axminster brought Agata to the attention of Rusty Pig’s Robin Rea who was looking for a new restaurant manager.

“Agy is the perfect fit for the Rusty Pig,” said Robin. “Her enthusiasm bounces off the walls and she has a deep-rooted passion for local sourcing that matches my own. She’s coming up with all sorts of creative ideas for the restaurant; we are all enjoying the Agata effect!”

As restaurant manager, Agy’s work includes not just the day to day running of the restaurant, but also attending events, refreshing the wine list, updating menus, managing social media and researching new suppliers. Agy added: “I’m excited by Robin’s commitment to what he wants to achieve; he doesn’t compromise for the sake of profit and it’s great that the whole Rusty Pig team feel the same way. “I’m looking forward to going on the journey with them.”