Labours of love: Marzena & Nigel

“ROMANCE IS LESS ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE AND MORE ABOUT BEING PRESENT TOGETHER, WITH GOOD FOOD, MUSIC AND LOVE”

Unsurprisingly, given the small scale of Borough Market’s businesses, a significant proportion of our stands and stalls are run by couples whose relationships extend through life as well as work: husbands, wives and partners, in various combinations. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, some of these traders have shared with us their love stories and life lessons.

Here, we hear from Marzena Lubaszka and Nigel Ryan, the married founders of Ma Ma Boutique Bakery. Set up after a health problem placed Nigel on restricted diet, their business sells exception gluten-free breads and cakes baked in Chiswick by Marzena.  

How did the two of you first meet?

Marzena: We first met at Borough Market. I was shopping for ingredients, focused and in a hurry, and Nigel was outside The Wheatsheaf pub with friends. He asked for my number, which I very confidently refused. But he didn’t give up, so I agreed to take his. That small, slightly cheeky exchange turned into something neither of us expected. What started as a fleeting moment in the Market slowly grew into love, partnership and a shared life.

How central to your connection is a love of food? 

Nigel: Food is deeply woven into our relationship. For Marzena, food – and especially baking – is instinctive, emotional, rooted in family and heritage. For me, food became more meaningful later, through changes in health and lifestyle, and through watching Marzena create with such care and passion. Sharing meals, talking about flavours and eventually building a business brought us closer and gave us a common language. Food is how we connect, unwind and express love.

What’s the best thing about working together? 

Marzena: The best thing is knowing that we’re building something side by side. I’m the baker, creating, developing recipes and working hands-on with the food, while Nigel brings balance, perspective and a wonderful way with people. It’s not always easy, but we understand each other deeply. We support each other on the hard days and celebrate the small wins together.

What advice would you give a couple who are thinking about starting a business?

Nigel: Be honest, communicate often and protect your relationship as much as your business. Know each other’s strengths, respect your differences, and don’t lose sight of why you started together in the first place. Running a business as a couple is challenging, but when it’s built on trust, shared values and genuine love, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Describe for us your dream romantic meal.

Marzena: One of our most memorable early dates was at Pizarro in Bermondsey. We didn’t have a table booked and the restaurant was busy, but they let us sit in the window seats – sharing beautiful Spanish food, talking for hours, completely absorbed in each other. We would love to return there one day when life slows down a little. But some of our most romantic moments are at home, sharing homemade food, cooked with love, without any rush. For us, romance is less about where you are and more about being present together, with good food, music and love.