Savouring Portuguese Heritage

Our Roots

Founded in November 2015 by Carlos Castro and Catia Pacheco Castro, our club began as a way to bring the Portuguese community in Crawley together through culture, food, and shared traditions. In those early days, many of the recipes and memories that shaped our gatherings were shared on a blog called The Purple Door Supper Club, capturing the dishes and stories that connected our community.

Our journey started as Crawley’s Black Tie Portuguese Affair—elegant evenings where guests dressed in formal black-tie attire gathered to dine and raise money for local charities. These special nights were about more than just an event; they brought people together, strengthened friendships, and built the foundations of a growing community.

In 2018, one of our founders, Carlos Castro, became Mayor of Crawley—an incredibly proud moment for the Portuguese community in the town and a reflection of the contribution Portuguese people have made to Crawley’s cultural and civic life.

From those gatherings grew what is now the Crawley Portuguese Heritage Club. While we have evolved over the years, our purpose remains the same: to honour our roots, share our traditions, and create a welcoming space where Portuguese culture can continue to flourish for generations to come.