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England 2023 All Galleries
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At the BATOOLI's

43 images Created 22 Aug 2023

Two Entrepreneurs Triumph Amid Challenges, Building Dreams and Weathering Pandemic Storms

In the heart of London, a culinary haven named Batooli's Kitchen tells a tale of triumph against all odds. Nestled in the cosy corners of the bustling London, Batooli's Kitchen stands as a testament to the resilience of dreams and the power of unwavering commitment. This photo reportage chronicles the inspiring journey of Batool and Waheed, two visionary minds who dared to dream and turned their love for food into a thriving business amidst challenges that tested their mettle.

On a serene Sunday morning in June 2023, I set out to explore the enchanting world of Batooli's Kitchen. The air was infused with Middle Eastern spices as I entered Levant Cafe, a Damascus-style restaurant in London. Amidst the authentic decor and the hum of conversations, Batool and Waheed shared their remarkable story.

Batool's journey began in the picturesque Jordan Valley, where she inherited a love for history and culture. Her pursuit of culinary dreams was ignited during her time in London, where she discovered the profound power of food as a universal language. Batool's Kitchen emerged as a result, of a fusion of her Jordanian heritage and her passion for bridging cultural gaps.

Waheed's path was marked by challenges and resilience. Born to a British mother and a Syrian father, he navigated a turbulent upbringing and faced the complexities of immigration. His encounter with Batool was serendipitous, sparking a deep connection and shared vision. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and entrepreneurship.

The pandemic cast a daunting shadow, but Batool and Waheed refused to yield. They weathered the storm by adapting and working tirelessly, moving from a small kitchen to a larger unit, expanding their reach even amid lockdowns. Their partnership became the cornerstone of their success, with Waheed's unwavering support and Batool's culinary expertise propelling them forward.

Their daily routine, commencing at 2:30 AM, speaks volumes of their dedication. Batool's creations fill the kitchen with tantalizing aromas while Waheed ensures smooth operations. Their roles seamlessly intertwine, a testament to their shared journey. Despite challenges, they emerge stronger, their love and commitment unshakeable.

As I wrap up our conversation, I am left with a profound admiration for Batool and Waheed. Their journey is not merely about culinary triumphs, but a celebration of the human spirit's resilience. Batooli's Kitchen stands as a symbol of hope, proving that dreams can flourish even in the face of adversity.

Through captivating images and heartwarming narratives, this photo reportage captures the essence of Batooli's Kitchen—a place where culinary artistry meets unyielding determination, where love for food transcends borders, and where dreams, no matter how challenging, can become a reality.
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  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, photographed in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub, takes a bite for a taste check while preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, pictured at a Syrian-styled restaurant near the business hub, sharing her journey of life and perseverance in pursuit of her dreams in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, photographed in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub, takes a bite for a taste check while preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, photographed in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub, takes a bite for a taste check while preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, photographed near the freezer outside 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London where they store baked goods. Waheed assists his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • A close-up view captures a delectable assortment of treats, including croissants, meticulously crafted by Batooli's Kitchen for their discerning clientele in central London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • An overall view captures the bustling ambiance of Batooli's Kitchen in northwest London. Waheed actively supports his wife Batool in overseeing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative aspects of the business. Meanwhile, Batool, the culinary visionary, leads the kitchen with precision, ensuring the right recipes and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity to introduce new, unique cakes to London's palate. This shot was taken on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran (L) and Batool Tawfiq (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran (L) and Batool Tawfiq (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran (L) and Batool Tawfiq (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran (L) and Batool Tawfiq (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool, captured in her kitchen at 'Batooli's' in the business hub of Northwest London, skillfully preparing muffins, croissants, and other delectable dishes for her chain of London-based clients on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, captured in the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, assisting his wife Batool in streamlining the baking, packing, delivery, and administration operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran (L) and Batool Tawfiq (R) wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the Syrian styled restaurant in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they talk about the journey of their life to success in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Wahid Badran, photographed taking a momentary break in the Syrian styled restaurant in northwest London. Waheed assists his wife Batool in managing the baking, packing, delivery, and administrative operations of the business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
  • Batool Tawfiq (L) and Wahid Badran (R), wife and husband captured in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'BATOOLI's' kitchen in northwest London, sharing a joyful moment of laughter as they work together on their business in London, Britain, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).
    BATOOLI's Kitchen a Culinary Re...jpg
View: 100 | All