Written on 05-Apr-2019
Congratulations to our Interim Chef, Jason, who has been recognised as our ‘Chef of the Month’ for March 2019!
A few words from the team:
“Jason is a good guy and often goes under the radar. He is no trouble at all, is always where he is meant to be and doing what he is meant to be doing. He is a pleasure to speak with! Jason has been at his current placement for over 12 months and they absolutely love him. He definitely deserves some recognition.”
How long have you been in the hospitality industry for?
*A few seconds thinking time* … it’s been 30 years!
What made you want to become a Chef?
When I finished school aged 16, I enrolled into catering college where I spent two years learning the fundamentals. I then left home at 18 and worked for a hotel group, Trust Houses Group (later merging with Forte Holdings to become Trust Houses Forte). I started there as a commis Chef then I worked my way up as I gained more and more experience.
After this I worked within a few independent hotels to work my way up to Head Chef.
What is your favourite thing about working in the industry?
No two days are ever the same! You never stop learning and meeting some lovely people.
The place where I’m currently working don’t treat me as an ‘agency Chef’ I’m a part of their team, I was even invited to their last staff party which was an expensive on but a great night.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity or well-known person?
There have been a few actually! Rick Astley came into a hotel I was working at in Banbury, I didn’t get to meet him though unfortunately. The drummer from Duran Duran, Roger Taylor, used to come into one site with his wife every Sunday, he loved a ham egg and chips…
What’s the best thing about your current role?
Absolutely the freedom it gives me. In my last Head Chef job I had to forfeit quite a lot to be dedicated to my job, I’d miss out on birthdays, family gatherings and Christmas time but now, I don’t have to worry about any of that. I’m going to Florida for 3 weeks in July, I’d never have been able to do that in my last jobs!
What is your guilty pleasure in food?
I do love a chicken and mushroom Pot Noodle. Also if you have some sweet chilli sauce, add a bit of that and try the difference!
What three words sum up why you work for CJUK?
Freedom, Flexibility, Friendships
Could you be a CJUK Chef?
Complete the below with your information and we can get in touch to discuss how you could join our brigade!
Written on 05-Aug-2019
Philip has been awarded as our Chef of the Month for July 2019! A few words from the team: “Philip is a true representation of what we look for in a CJUK Chef! He has received consistently
Written on 05-Jun-2019
Congratulations to our Chef, Dean, who has been recognised as our ‘Chef of the Month’ for May 2019! After receiving various nominations from the team, Dean has been recognised for his
Written on 04-Jan-2019
Congratulations to our Interim Chef, Ray, who has been recognised as our ‘Chef of the Month’ for December 2018! After receiving multiple nominations two months in a row, Ray
