✨ Help John Rebuild After Being Cut Out of His Own Kitchen

After five years of helping build one of Dundee’s most-loved supper clubs, John Tindal was abruptly dismissed — and left with a £17,828 loan in his name.

This is not a legal case. It’s not revenge.

This is John’s story — in his words — before someone else tells it for him.

John's Story

“I want to be honest about the mistakes I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned the hard way.”

When Lewis and I went into business together, I believed we were building something special. I trusted him — maybe too much. I ran the kitchen, cooked every dish, managed the finances, supported the team, and even took out a personal loan to keep the business going.

I thought I was holding it all together.

What I didn’t realise was that I was slowly disappearing in the process.

Though we were partners, the dynamic quickly became one of control. Whenever I tried to raise concerns, Lewis would fly off the handle. Eventually, I stopped speaking up. I just kept cooking. Kept covering. Kept going.

Then I Got Sick

A couple of months ago, I developed glandular fever so severe I couldn’t swallow water. I was misdiagnosed, given the wrong treatment, and ended up in hospital twice. For the first time in five years, I had to take time off.

Even then, I received a text implying I was “milking it.”

When I returned to work, I was met with sullen silence.

Not long after — when I should’ve still been in bed — I came into work and found Lewis bruised from a violent altercation. It wasn’t the first time there’d been tension.

That day, something shifted in me. I realised I wasn’t safe.

I wasn’t in a partnership. I was surviving.

⚖️ The “Agreement”

Rather than walk out, I accepted a demotion, and agreed to stay on for 6 months in a reduced role — giving both of us time to adjust.

In return, we agreed to set a plan for repaying the loan I’d taken on for the business.

That was the deal.

Mutual stability.

Mutual respect.

But four weeks later, I received an email — the night before I came into work — telling me there were “no more hours available” and that my “services were no longer required.”

No warning. No thank you. No chance to say goodbye.

What I Lost — and What I’m Holding Onto

The worst part wasn’t the money. It wasn’t even the betrayal.

It was not getting to say goodbye.

I cooked for almost every customer who ever walked through the door at The Howff. I knew them by name. I made food with love and intention, every single service. That was taken from me in silence.

But here’s what I didn’t lose:

✔️ My values

✔️ My love for food

✔️ My belief in kindness, honesty, and integrity

With the help of my partner Olivia, I’ve started a new venture — Beagle & Crumb — and I’m building something new with the same passion I always had.

This campaign isn’t about revenge.

It’s about lifting the weight I’ve been left with, so I can move forward in peace.

Where the Money Will Go

This crowdfund is not for me personally. It’s not to grow Beagle & Crumb, and it’s not to pay our bills.

It’s simply to help pay off the business loan I took on in good faith — nearly £20,000 that I used to keep the business afloat when it was struggling. As part of my agreed departure, there was supposed to be a plan for repaying that money — a plan that was never honoured. The deadline to agree repayment has now passed, and I’ve been blocked from contacting Lewis in any way.

I’ve been left to carry this debt alone, while being shut out of the very business it saved.

Many people have asked why I’m not taking legal action.

The simple answer is: pursuing a case would require significant time, money, and emotional energy — with no guarantee of a fair outcome. Legal disputes can drag on for months or years, often costing more than they recover, and I need to prioritise rebuilding my life and career now.

This crowdfund allows me to address the immediate problem — the £20,000 debt left in my name — and move forward without being tied to a draining legal process.

It also gives me the chance to speak directly to the people I’ve cooked for and cared for over the years. My customers deserve to know the truth, and this is how I can share it honestly and transparently

How You Can Help

Donate if you can — every pound truly helps

Share this with friends, customers, food lovers

Tag local food press or news who can help amplify this

And if nothing else — send kindness. It’s needed.

If you’ve ever worked in a toxic place and stayed too long — I understand.

If you’ve ever had to start over from nothing — I’m doing it too.

If you’ve ever sat down at a table at The Howff and felt cared for — I hope I helped create that feeling for you.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for seeing me.