Paul Deakin opens Kath's Cafe at Helensburgh Central station

Paul Deakin's career has seen him cook in Michelin starred restaurants in Canada, work with renowned Chicago chef Charlie Trotter, and even become a head chef closer to home at Knockderry House Hotel in Cove.

He has travelled the world gaining rosettes for his culinary expertise and knowledge, but his next venture is closer to home...and to his heart.

The 52-year-old has opened up Kath's Cafe inside Helensburgh Central station in memory of the woman who inspired his love of cooking - his mum.

Paul told the Advertiser: "I have been a chef for 36 years across the world. I met amazing people and created delicious recipes, but it was all thanks to my mum and my neighbour Mrs Kotecha, who gave me my love of cooking.

"I got moved up two years at school and my options were hotels or hairdressing. I knew I didn't want to be a hairdresser. I have always enjoyed cooking.

"I used to make honeycomb as a child and one time I used my mum's best pan. I accidentally left it sitting for too long and we had to throw the whole pan away. 

"A highlight was making the food for Princess Diana's and Charles wedding. I was the 'psychedelic Battenberg cake kid'."

His mum Kath was the woman who inspired Paul's love for cooking and food (Image: Newsquest)

Originally from Bolton, Paul has fond memories of his mum, who used to work as a social worker before becoming a support worker for the partially sighted until she was 75.

She was later diagnosed with dementia, and sadly died two months before her 80th birthday.

He added: "My mum passed away on Christmas Eve last year and as part of my inheritance I decided to open this place and name it after my mum.

"I will be raising a glass of champagne to toast the incredible woman she was. She was a lovely woman and she cared too much for others.

"Her kindness was something that could easily be admired."

And everything about the newly-opened café from the signs and the food to the packaging has a purpose that Paul is proud of.

"The forget-me-nots on the sign is a flower of dementia," he explained.

"They forget you but you never forget them. I knew before even opening up that 10 per cent of the profits will go to Dementia UK.

"From my career, I must have thrown away enough cling film to go around the world four or five times. I just had an epiphany one morning that I would be plastic-free and healthy.

"I have straws made from wheat, and sell cans from small businesses who are doing good for the planet instead of bottles. I try to use as much organic foods as possible because that is what is great for our bodies.

"I also vowed to support the local businesses in Helensburgh because they are a core to our community. All small businesses need as much support as they can get from people."

He knew immediately that a portion of the profits would go towards the Dementia UK charity (Image: Newsquest)

Paul  has big plans to appeal to the whole community in Helensburgh and hopes to stand out against the typical picture of a railway station café.

He added: "For some people I can be the first face they are greeted with of a morning, and can be the last for people visiting the area on their holidays.

"It is so important that I can give them that memorable and personable experience. 

"I want to be different from the usual railway station cafe and sell food that matters. Next up on the menu plans is smoothies and paninis.

"I just hope that people can come and support the business and say hello."

Kath's Cafe is now open six days a week, from 7am until 3pm.