Meet the Team

Troika Projects
With a proven track record in design, mobilising, and operation of hospitality spaces, Tad, Celia, and Joshua—founders of St Leonards' events pop-up Bunka and popular burger bar Bun by Bunka—are bringing their wealth of expertise to the transformation of the West Hill Café and Hastings Castle. Their deep-rooted experience spans every aspect of the hospitality & leisure sector, from conceptual development and financial structuring to full-scale build-outs and multi-site operations, much of it gained through delivering successful local projects that have revitalised venues and enhanced community engagement.

Joshua Levy – Culinary & Kitchen Design Lead
Heading up kitchen design, menu development, and supplier relations, Joshua Levy brings Michelin-starred expertise and a passion for quality-driven, sustainable food concepts. Having worked as Sous Chef at Tom Kerridge’s renowned London restaurant, he pivoted in 2020 to support the relaunch of The Eight Bells in Jevington alongside hospitality entrepreneur Phil Cameron. Under their leadership, the once quiet rural pub underwent a strategic redesign, achieving operational excellence and earning the title of Best Pub in Sussex 2024. Joshua's role as Executive Chef at Headland Ventures saw him further enhance venue concepts, working in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council to restructure and revitalise the Stage Door pub, and later assuming full operational control of the café and restaurant at Towner Art Gallery. His expertise in efficient kitchen design, supplier management, and high-quality food production ensures the West Hill Café will offer an outstanding, community-driven dining experience.
Tad – Operations & Hospitality Lead
With over a decade of experience managing high-performing hospitality venues, Tad leads operational strategy at Troika Projects. Most recently, he served as Operations Manager for Farmyard and Heist Market in St Leonards, playing a key role in optimising labour efficiency, implementing business structures, and driving profitability. Before relocating to Hastings, Tad worked in front-of-house management for some of London’s most recognized multi-site hospitality brands, including Caravan and Flat Iron. His expertise in launching and managing high-volume venues is evidenced by his leadership in opening Caravan Bankside and Fitzrovia, where he recruited and trained teams, established key performance indicators, and ensured seamless operations post-launch. With his extensive knowledge of logistics, financial management, and guest experience, Tad will oversee the smooth integration of restaurant operations within the wider vision for West Hill.

Celia – Design, Branding & Strategy Lead
Celia’s background in design and entrepreneurship is central to the project's strategic vision and marketing approach. Originally trained in design and trend forecasting, she transitioned into hospitality in 2015, launching her own quick-service restaurant concept. By 2018, she had successfully secured funding, designed, and operated two high-profile sites in Central London, achieving seven-figure revenue through a well-curated blend of direct sales, corporate catering, and event partnerships. Her experience in site selection, branding, and spatial planning ensures that the West Hill Café will not only be a functional and inviting space but also a destination that complements the historical and cultural significance of Hastings Castle.

Delivering a Legacy Project for HastingsWith their combined expertise spanning hospitality design, construction, finance, and multi-site operations, Tad, Celia, and Joshua are uniquely positioned to deliver a high-quality, sustainable restaurant that integrates seamlessly with the historic West Hill and Hastings Castle. Their hands-on experience in revitalizing heritage-linked venues, engaging with local authorities, and building successful, community-focused hospitality businesses ensures that this project will be both commercially viable and deeply connected to the needs of the local area.

Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and local collaboration means this project will not only enhance Hastings’ visitor experience but also support the town’s economy, create jobs, and provide an enduring social and cultural asset for residents and tourists alike.

They also know the importance of a good team and have partnered with some incredible talent for this ambitious project:

Poroban
Low carbon Architects with a strong sustainable ethos in residential, cultural & community projects. Prior to establishing Poroban, Director, Armeet Panesar worked with renowned Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Gray Marshall and Associates, working on award winning community and cultural projects.

Purcell
An award-winning architectural and heritage consultancy practice with clients including The National Portrait Gallery and Manchester Museum. The team are working on several high-profile cultural regeneration projects which will become a driving force in the economic and cultural revitalisation of the South Coast, including delivering the ambitious scheme for the restoration of Brighton’s Madeira Terrace and have particular experience on working on coastal castle sites, including Dover Castle.

Nigel Dunnett & LDA Design
Pioneer of the new ecological and sustainable approaches to gardens, landscapes, and public spaces, Nigel’s work includes Tower of London Superbloom 2022; The Barbican, Beech Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. He’ll be working alongside landscape architects LDA Design. They take a holistic approach which recognises the close links between climate, biodiversity and ecosystem decline, health and wellbeing, and social and economic inequality.

Real Studios
Immersive experience design specialists with The British Museum and National History Museum amongst their clients. With over 25 years’ experience, the Real Studios team has carved a unique niche and a host of award-winning projects pays testimony to this winning combination of theatrical place-making plus narrative context.

Making history for Hastings Castle New visitor centre, cafe and restaurant coming to the West Hill

Making history for Hastings Castle
New visitor centre, cafe and restaurant coming to the West Hill