A career in hospitality
Had you been looking for a career in hospitality? I have a passion for cooking. As I enjoy it so much I thought I should study cooking and try to build a career around it.
How did you get the opportunity to work at Wildhive? I was studying a City & Guilds Level 2 Commis Chef course, full time at the local college. David (the Wildhive Exec Chef) visited the college to let them know two apprenticeships were available. The City & Guilds Commis Chef course is 1 year at college followed by 1 year in industry. I applied for one of the apprenticeships at Wildhive Callow Hall and went through a selection process including an interview by David (which was a little unnerving!) but thankfully I was successful and I was offered one of the positions. Once I started my apprenticeship at Callow Hall, each week consisted of 1 day at college and 4 days at the hotel working under Tom Burton (Head Chef) and David who is my mentor.
What are you most looking forward to now you have qualified? I am enjoying meeting new people. Now I am qualified I will continue to learn and gain respect from the team. It’s also great to have a salary!
What are your main roles and responsibilities? My main responsibility is running the larder section. This involves stock control, ensuring there is enough stock and of a good standard. I prep the food for the cold dishes, i.e. starters, afternoon tea and desserts, this could be slicing the meats, marinating, making a sauce or creating a lavender pannacotta. I help with prepping and plating before and during service. I also work closely with the pastry chef and I will be moving around the various kitchen sections which I am looking forward to.
Do you have aspirations to become a head chef? Not at the moment but I would like to head up a section.
What is your dream job? Working in the kitchen or for guests in hospitality. I like the creative element of the work, creating different plates and being creative with different ingredients.
What has been the most enjoyable part of the past two years? Meeting new people and being part of an amazing team!
What has been the most challenging? The hours. Holding down a full time job at this age and studying requires a lot of energy to stay bright and keen!
How do you find the shifts at Wildhive? We work a 4 days on and 3 days off. It’s really nice to have an extra day off and with the money I earn I am learning to drive in my spare time.
What has been the most helpful thing that you have learned – useful tip? Learning about the different types of cooking methods. Also learning to manage my social anxiety with support and compassion from my team. It can be stressful in the kitchen with a diverse group of people to manage ~ the ethos is firm but fair. I now have the confidence to hold my own!
Do you have a favourite dish at Wildhive? Anything with fruit or chocolate!
If you could cook a dish for anyone in the world; who would you cook for? My family. It gives me great pleasure to spend time with my family and cook for them.
What would you cook them? My Coq au vin – it is very good apparently!
Wildhive build their menus around seasonal and local produce, do you have a favourite season because of the produce available? Winter – because I get to use unusual produce the ingredients are more unique ~ game, celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke.
What is your favourite style of cooking? Modern British
Do you have a favourite local supplier? I love having a chat with Mary from the Staffordshire Cheese Company when she pops in, she is always very friendly and knowledgeable.
If you could have a cook off with a famous chef, who would you choose? Which famous chef do you admire and why? I love Mary Berry for her pastries and Gordon Ramsey makes unique dishes – although he can get very angry!
When you are not busy working at Wildhive, how do you like to spend your time? I love to play games on the computer designing fashion outfits and lately learning to drive. Spending time with family and friends is very important to me. Oh and shopping!
Do you have any pets? No but I like to look after and walk my brother’s dog Lilo who is a Beagle.
Favourite place in the Peak District and why? Walking to The Stepping Stones at Dovedale is a lovely thing to do.
