Indie Interview with Chloe of Chloe’s in Charlbury: Building a Restuarant Rooted in Passion and Community

Holly Davis speaks with Chloe Horner, founder of Chloe’s a thriving space that prioritises community, creativity and balance in a challenging hospitality landscape.

Holly Davis: Chloe, let’s start by hearing a bit about your journey. How did you get to where you are now with Chloe’s?

Chloe: Oh, that’s a long story! In my twenties, I was a director at Truck Festival and Truck Records, so I was quite involved in the music scene. After that, I moved to London, then came back to Oxford to help run We Got Tickets, working with local independent businesses. But despite being in jobs that others thought were exciting, I was feeling a bit dead inside.

My best friend Genevieve had lots of American musician friends who’d come over and I’d cook for them. I realised how much I loved it. My mum and granny encouraged me to quit my job and train as a chef. It sounded great, but I had no idea how I’d make it work. Fortunately, a series of fortuitus events aligned, allowing me to attend Leiths School of Food and Wine.

Holly Davis: Where did your career as a chef start?

Chloe: When I first qualified, I started at The Magdalen Arms, which I really enjoyed and I learned so much about running a business from them.

After I left, my friend Becky and I began hosting pop-ups in my house. Drew joined us later and we eventually started Oxfork, transforming a cycle workshop on Magdalen Road into a cafe. That was such a special time, but then kids came along and I took a bit of a break away from the kitchen.

Holly Davis: So how did Chloe’s come to life after that?

Chloe: We were hosting supper clubs in our home in Charlbury, but there were some complications to us being able to do that longer term. We then started conversations with the previous owner of Chloe’s who was specifically looking for a buyer who was going to keep the premises as commercial and a premise that would give back to the community and we decided to take the leap!

Holly Davis: Your business model is quite unconventional. You’re open just two evenings a week. How did you decide on that?

Chloe: From the beginning, I wanted Chloe’s to work for me and my team. I aimed to attract staff with more life experience who needed flexibility, like working around school hours.

We’ve tried a few different offerings but this summer, I reassessed and switched to offering just two dinner services a week with a set menu. It’s streamlined things for me, and the change has been positive. It’s given me space to explore creative uses for the space, like flea markets and long-table events.

Holly Davis: That community-focused approach sounds amazing. Tell me about those events.

Chloe: The long-table events encourage in-person connections—something people are craving right now. It’s about creating a welcoming space to meet others, learn something new, or just enjoy good food together. We’ve also launched a Women in Hospitality initiative to support and connect women in the industry.

Holly Davis: Chloe’s has such a distinctive character and I know your use of local suppliers plays a big part in that. How do those relationships influence what you do?

Chloe: Oh, they’re absolutely central to everything at Chloe’s. For example, we work really closely with the Kitchen Garden People, who supply us with a weekly share of vegetables—about the equivalent of what six or seven families might get. That’s the springboard for our menu every week. The vegetables are always front and center, especially at this time of year when everything is so abundant.

We also use amazing produce from King Stone Dairy, Salt Pig Curing and meat from Hope Farm nearby. They’ll sometimes let me know if they have a surplus of something and I’ll create dishes around that. I think it’s a brilliant way to keep the menu fresh and connect it to what’s happening locally.

Holly Davis: I know you’ve recently joined Independent Oxford—what inspired you to become a member?

Chloe: I’ve actually worked with Rosie and Independent Oxford before, back when I was at the Annie Sloan shop. We collaborated on some of their first events, so I’ve seen how valuable the community can be.

Now, not being in Oxford itself, I love the idea of Chloe’s becoming a space where small business owners from West Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds can convene. It’s easy to feel like a lone wolf running your own business, but being part of a network where you can share experiences and learn from each other is invaluable. That’s what excites me most—helping to foster that sense of community and creating a connection point for people in the area.

Holly Davis: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry?

Chloe: Honestly, I think you have to live your business—and love it. For me, I don’t mind that it’s so intertwined with my life because I’m passionate about what I do. But if you’re not ready to live and breathe it, then this probably isn’t the industry for you. It takes so much commitment and that’s something you have to embrace.

It’s been such a rewarding journey so far. While it’s a lot of work, it’s been completely worth it. Chloe’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a hub for creativity and connection.

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