I AM a self-confessed foodie, writes Emily Bridgewater.

Just browsing the aisle of a supermarket, with its glass counter full of colourful cheeses and shelves packed with pots of pesto, pasta and pastries, gets me drooling at the mouth.

I love nothing more than an evening in the kitchen with Jamie or Nigella experimenting with ingredients and then eating the sumptuous results with a giant spoon!

But, I also know from working in the pub trade, that the last thing you want to do after spending a day serving food or slaving over a hot stove, is cook for yourself at home.

I worked in a pub for more than a year and although I enjoyed the lively atmosphere and opportunity to meet new faces, I was often working more than 60 hours a week.

Cooking for myself after an all-day shift became a chore and I soon became prone to grabbing a pizza or a portion of greasy chips on the way home.

Many fall into this unhealthy pattern, not just those working in hospitality but business executives, builders and working mums.

But now a Bromsgrove chef, who has worked in top class restaurants for 35 years, has devised a solution to help break the vicious circle of working late and living on junk food.

Tony Demicoli trained at The Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies and after so long in the restaurant business he knew his market well.

When working for Bass and Scottish breweries he noticed everyone he worked alongside, including himself, was working long hours and going home to a takeaway.

So, on September 2, 2002 What's for Tea was launched - a company ensuring everyone a hot, healthy meal when the last thing on your mind is entering a kitchen.

"A lot of people do not finish work until after 6pm, they get home at around 7pm and by the time they have cooked, and eaten their tea it is time for bed," the 50-year-old culinary master said explaining the thinking behind What's for Tea.

He currently works from his home in Lickey Rock but the business has enjoyed so much success that Tony plans to move to a larger kitchen in the future.

"My customers call me before 11am if they want me to prepare their dinner, I then go shopping for fresh ingredients and spend the afternoon cooking. I then deliver the food to their door in time for tea," he explained.

And Tony's venture, which he describes as a flash of inspiration, has killed two birds with one stone; he has provided a solution for the exhausted commuter and slashed his own working hours considerably.

"I keep the menu simple and it is classic English fare.

" I do chicken on Monday, lamb on Tuesday, beef on Wednesday, pork or gammon on Thursday and chicken on Friday - at first I did fish on Friday but clients preferred chicken.

"The rest of the dish is left up to me, depending on what fresh ingredients I can get from my suppliers. I am negotiating with a few suppliers as I want to use the best ingredients, including organic meats."

All the dishes are served with freshly cooked vegetables and potatoes and the £6 price tag also includes a starter.

"I used to do desserts, but customers said they preferred a starter but I would still do a pudding on special request," said the Marlbrook man.

Tony delivers the food to houses in the Bromsgrove district, including Hagley and some parts of Redditch. It arrives in labelled plastic cartons ready to be reheated by the customer.

If you are interested in having a sumptuous two-course dish on your doorstep this evening give Tony a call on 07958088899 or 0121 447 8086.

In fact, it sounds so good; I may give him a call myself......!