Deb Lewis, who ran three well-known restaurants in Cardiff including a Michelin-rated one, has graduated from a degree in adult nursing. She previously ran Kindle, Dusty's and Nook with her husband Phil, but the death of a family member inspired her to change career path.
"Losing a close family member showed me first-hand the difference compassionate nurses can make during some of the most difficult moments in a family's life," she said.
From Restaurants to Nursing
Deb first studied marine geography at university and worked in homelessness and social care before running the venues for 12 years. They previously ran Kindle in an old warden's house near Sophia Gardens. The sustainable, wood-fired restaurant closed in January 2024 but has since reopened under new ownership as Roos.
The couple also ran Dusty's Pizza, which started after they sold their car and bought a van with a pizza oven, travelling to markets and festivals. It grew into a micro-chain with venues at Canton's Bone Yard, Barry's Goodsheds and Swansea's Founders & Co. Due to soaring costs and the pandemic's impact, they reduced venues, leaving only their Llanishen spot on Llangranog Road, which has since been taken over by new owners.
Their other venture, Nook on Cowbridge Road East, closed in 2024 after their chef left. In 2021, Nook was recognised in the Michelin Guide.
A New Purpose
Despite the success of their food empire and a busy family life with three children, in 2023 Deb decided she wanted her work to have a "different kind of purpose" and enrolled on Cardiff University's nursing course.
"Losing a close family member showed me first-hand the difference compassionate nurses can make during some of the most difficult moments in a family's life. My earlier work in homelessness services also reinforced how much I enjoyed supporting people through vulnerable periods and advocating on their behalf," she said.
"Nursing had always been something I thought about, but life took me in different directions. We built our hospitality businesses, raised a family, and I loved those chapters of my life. Eventually, I reached a point where I realised that I didn't want to regret not giving it a go."
She said that although many think the two industries are very different, both are busy, fast-paced environments where teamwork is crucial. "It was a big decision because we had three young children, busy lives and I'd been away from education for a long time. But I knew that if I didn't do it then, I'd probably never do it."
While Deb and Phil have largely stepped away from the kitchen, they still host their pop-up Nook by the river at Llandaff Rowing Club.
