TEDDINGTON’S POPULAR CAFÉ, THE FALLOW DEER – UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
ONE of Teddington’s most popular and long-established cafes, The Fallow Deer has been sold, it was confirmed today.
Owner Al Camilleri-Lloyd, known as Mother Deer and a familiar face at the café to regular users, made the surprise announcement via Instagram where she posted an emotional and deeply personal message.
“It’s with huge sadness, a heavy heart, nervousness, second guessing but also excitement that I have decided to part ways with The Fallow. I opened The Fallow over ten years ago and it’s been absolutely wild.
“I’ve met some incredible people, learnt so much, become part of the local community and am so proud of what a huge success it has become.
“I will miss it so much, but I need to more time to focus on my young twins and start a new journey. I’m super nervous for the change and it will be really weird no longer being heading up the Fallow family but I know it’s the right thing for me and my own family.
“The good news is that the Fallow will live on with all of the usual amazing team, under new ownership and I wish them all the biggest success.
“They have a great vision for the future of the Fallow and I know it’s in safe hands. So to keep it short and sweet (because I can’t see what I’m typing through the tears) thank you everyone, thank you to all of our customers who have supported me from day one, thank you to my family who have supported me since day one, thank you to my absolutely incredible team new and old for helping me create the most amazing memories over this decade long journey, for working hard through mad and uncertain times, and for being such wonderful humans.
“I love you all. Take care, be kind to each other and look after yourselves. Peace, love, and my final over and out.
Al, aka Mother Deer.”
The new owner is former Hong Kong businessman, Thomas Lam, who moved to London in 2020.
In his first interview, Thomas told Teddington Town: “Food and beverage are my passion and after moving to London I decided to continue what I love.
“Last year I was looking for an opportunity to start a restaurant and while I visited a friend who also started his first tattoo shop in the area I spotted the Fallow Deer. Luckily, when I was having coffee I met the owner Al and that’s how this journey starts.
Asked about possible changes, Thomas added: “Coffee and brunch are vital for the Fallow Deer. I will definitely be serving them as usual. But at the same time I will try to introduce various types of Asian concepts, like Japanese. Thai and Taiwanese dishes ideas to our menu hoping it will provide something exciting to everyone.”
He has already become a big fan of Teddington despite his short time in the town. “I like Teddington so much,” he said. “It’s such a beautiful town. The local community is absolutely amazing. I enjoy chatting with customers so much, many of them have been good friends of the Fallow Deer for so long.”
The new owner also revealed that supper evenings will continue with the next one on August 5 and all the staff will be kept on. “They are a brilliant team, lovely people and very experienced.”
To see menus and opening times go to: https://thefallowdeer.com/
