The Woman Behind The Whisk – Meet Our England Weekender Chef, Ella from GirlsWhoDine
Food is a key part of our retreats. But it’s not just the meals themselves that are special - it’s the intention, the care, and the energy behind every dish, snack and drink you consume while away with us. At our England Weekender, all of that down to Ella, the Leiths-trained chef, allotment queen, and founder of GirlsWhoDine.
We sat down with her to talk about her journey with food, the stories behind her ingredients, and why GirlsWhoDine and be.retreats are such a natural match.
Food Brings People Together
Ella was born and raised in Somerset and her love for cooking runs deep. “I grew up in a big family where food was always shared, always homemade, and always around a big table,” she explains. “My grandparents travelled the world and passed down their favourite recipes. We'd sit, share stories, laugh, and always eat well.”
That early relationship with food laid the foundation for a life spent creating meaningful meals. These days, Ella works as a New Product Developer for a bakery chain (yes, she literally invents new cakes and pastries for a living), runs GirlsWhoDine, is writing her first cookbook, For the Love of Food, and somehow still finds time for marathon training and running with her two dogs, Blue and Moose.
But her real passion – which aligns so well with our own – is nourishing people, both body and soul.
From Chaos to Cooking on Her Own Terms
GirlsWhoDine was born out of a craving for something deeper. “It sounds cliché,” Ella says, “but I was just so fed up of working in corporate where you’re a number putting pennies in someone else’s pocket. I wanted to do something I genuinely cared about - for me, for other women, and for the community.”
The idea was simple: bring people together over delicious, home-cooked food using seasonal, local ingredients. “I wanted to support farmers, suppliers, independent brands making really cool products - and I wanted to make food that meant something.”
Comforting and Nourishing Food
Ella’s approach to food doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. “I’m not anti a chocolate tart or pizza,” she highlights. “I’m anti-ultra processed. Everything I cook is from scratch - from the bread to the dips to the granola at breakfast. When you use real ingredients, even the treats nourish you.”
Her signature style is all about making the food you want to eat - think big bowls, hearty helpings, and vibrant sides - just done better. “It’s about elevating that cosy Friday night pasta to something you feel amazing about eating.”
Cooking for the England Weekender
At our England Weekender retreat, Ella brings this magic to the table … literally.
“Cooking for be.retreats is such a joy,” she says. “The women who come are open to trying new things, they’re curious, and they really appreciate food.” Menus are crafted based on what’s in season, what’s local, and what Ella loves to make. “I want guests to sit down, eat well, feel nourished, and connect. It’s more than food - it’s a shared experience.”
And yes, there’s always dessert – and plenty of it!
What Happens When Food Is Shared
One of Ella’s favourite parts of retreat cooking? Watching people let their guard down. “Some guests arrive with dietary needs, preferences, or hesitations - which is totally valid. But by the end, they trust you. They try things they never would’ve tried at home. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.”
Why GirlsWhoDine and be.retreats Work Together
“be.retreats is about doing what feels good, creating a safe space to explore, and trying new things. That’s exactly what I want to do with food … you should wake up to a breakfast that fuels you for a reflective morning. You should finish a workout with a lunch that makes you feel energised, not sluggish. And you should leave a retreat having eaten something that’s stayed with you - not just in your belly, but in your memory.”