January 14, 2022

Extraordinary Lives - Amber Sterck

Background

Having moved back and fourth from London to Brighton over the last 10 years, I have finally settled in Hove, realising that a short commute beach side is way better than sitting on the Northern Line for hours a day.

Throughout my career, I have lived and breathed hospitality either through work or in spare time, having run restaurants in London and Brighton and beyond- I have a real passion for food and drink and a good cosy café corner to get wrapped up in people watching, or taking decor inspiration for own ventures.

Since being thrown into lockdown, many monotonous walks took place until venturing down Third Avenue and stumbling across a dream location for my very own cafe (or what I thought was going to be a bijoux café). Oeuf was born. A French inspired Parisian macaron/chocolate box themed brunch restaurant with over 90 covers…

Oeuf’s ethos is to support local, good quality suppliers with a good heart and a good product to back it up. OMG matcha fell right into our lap being based right across the street from us, and its DELICIOUS!

The OMGTea 60 Second Interview

1. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

Walk through the gardens at Arundel Castle, or an absolute dream would be to venture to Japan to experience the cherry blossom festival aka Sakura.

2. Who’s the person you’d most like to share a cup of matcha with and why?

My dad, the man who inspired me to run my own business, at Oeuf. He didn’t get the chance to see it, but if he did he would probably laugh at the fact I chose to paint the bar bright green!

3. How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?

Mid pandemic, the industry was collapsing around me. Having quit my job working for another restaurant company the day that the industry fell into lockdown the future looked pretty bleak. However, after months of baking banana bread (I know, I know), gardening and walking my Golden retriever, my brain got whirring and I was ready to take on my own challenge. Without that time and head space, Oeuf most likely wouldn’t have happened for another few years; neither would the opportunity for such a wonderful space to have come up.

4. In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?

Waking up at sunrise, and finding time for myself. Investing in a good coffee machine at home made me appreciate mornings and gives me something to look forward to, before I have even got out of bed.

5. What is the best piece of advice you could give someone?

‘The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried, do not fear failure, but fear not trying’

6. What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Dreams by Fleetwood Mac