Culinary cop swaps the beat for the Scrummery Cafe in Twickenham (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Culinary cop swaps the beat for the Scrummery Cafe in Twickenham

1:30pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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A Twickenham police officer has gone from swinging his truncheon to preparing luncheon after opening up his own cafe.

Alistair Threadgold worked as a police officer for nine years and spent the past three as part of St Margarets safer neighbourhood team.

When his tenure ended last month Mr Threadgold was reluctant to leave the community behind so he decided to return to his former job as a chef and take over the Scrummery Cafe in Whitton Road, Twickenham, rather than say goodbye.

The culinary copper said: “I was a chef before I was a police officer, but having just worked 15 hours today [the day before the opening] I think policing Notting Hill would have been an easier task than setting up a cafe.

“Quitting the police force and running the Scrummery is a massive gamble for me and my family but it allows me to combine my love of cooking great food with working in what I believe is the best ward in the nicest borough in London.”

The 36-year-old showed a passion for cooking at just six years old and trained as a chef after leaving school.

He worked as a chef until at the age of 26 he decided to swap cooking for patrolling the streets of London as a police officer.

Despite leaving the force three weeks ago, Mr Threadgold said he has found old habits die hard.

On his first day as a “civilian“ he witnessed a refuse truck collide with a car and then fail to stop.

He chased after the truck in his car.

Mr Threadgold restrained the driver until police officers arrived.

He said: “Policing Twickenham has genuinely been an honour.

“I have gained a collection of stories I am sure I will bore my new clientele with. With my ex-colleagues promising to frequent the cafe, the Scrummery should certainly be the safest place in London to enjoy a coffee.”

The Scrummery opened for business on Wednesday.

To make an advanced booking call Mr Threadgold on 07530 879323.