In my bag: Katrina Bavin

Katrina Bavin of Weavers Wine Bar in Diss reveals her handbag secrets

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. Purse. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Having learned her trade at The Savoy in London, Katrina Bavin loves every minute of using those skills at the Weavers Wine Bar and Eating House in Diss, which she runs with her husband William.

“He actually started the business in 1987 and I joined it in 1996. I studied for a degree in hospitality and did my apprenticeship at The Savoy, so I got to see all sides of how a top restaurant operates, both front of house and in the kitchen. Nowadays, my husband tends to take care of cooking and the kitchen, but I do love to occasionally get out back and keep my hand in. Running a restaurant requires you to take on a lot of roles - I do a bit of everything, from chief toilet cleaner and washer-upper to doing all the stock and rotas. But I love that about the job.”

She says her handbag is a good reflection of her character. “I am not really into fashion, and I am quite sporty. I also love travel and setting myself challenges - at the start of the year I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. So my favourite bag is a tan leather satchel, bought in Marrakesh, which is really roomy, practical and fits my daughter’s colouring books – always my test.” w

Weavers Wine Bar and Eating House

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. Guide book to Budapest. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Market Hill, Diss, IP22 4JZ; 01379 642411; www.weaversdiss.com

iPhone6+, prices vary

I am always attached to it. I use it to email, to call, to post on social media for the business and I am always taking pictures of things which inspire me.

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. iphone 6 plus. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Colouring pencils and a notebook, prices vary

My daughter Elsa is eight and it is always good to have something at hand to amuse her, especially in the restaurant. My husband also uses them as he loves drawing diagrams if he has an idea.

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. Colouring book and pencils. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Trek peanut energy bar, 99p

I am always training for something and these give me a little pick-up. I am doing the Ride London 100, so at the moment I am trying to cycle at least 100 miles a week – I’m yet to manage it all at once though.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Budapest, £8.99

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. Energy Trek bar. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

I am obsessed with travel and have a real wanderlust. We are going to Budapest soon and I can’t wait. I love the culture and architecture, but it is also a great opportunity to try different cuisine and get new ideas for the restaurant.

Cath Kidston floral purse, from £25

This was a present from my mum and I love it because it is really big and has lots of pockets, which I need as I have virtually every loyalty card known to man.

In Your Bag. Katrina Bavin's handbag. Ball of string. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

And a little something else . . .

A ball of string

It is really for tying up bundles of vegetables from my step-father’s allotment, which we use in the restaurant, but Elsa is arts and crafts mad and uses it all the time to make things, so I keep running out.