​It looks like this lock is going to be keeping us away from our kitchens for a little while longer chefs. If you have maintained your sanity up to this point, then, well played. I have listed a few tips and ideas to keep you going for the next few weeks/months. 

1: How is your relationship going? Have you pissed off your partner yet? Is he or she still having to work from home while you are sat there, binge watching Tiger King? My tip here is to STAY OUT OF THE WAY! They are probably really resenting you right now. They still have to put in a shift, while you are sitting around in your undies. Go and hide upstairs or in the kitchen. Try not to make too much noise, they have no interest in your latest Instagram post. Keep them in tea n coffee. We may be out of the hospitality game professionally, but at home, it's time to be Maitre D.  

  

2: How about you go and sharpen your knives. Seriously! You brought your knives home from work, right? Do you own a whetstone? Go and watch a few videos on YouTube. That knife you used to love can be restored to its former glory with a little time and care.  Knife sharpening is a great skill to master too. My advice would be to practice on a knife you don't mind ruining. Grab a shit, blunt one from the kitchen drawer. 

3: Here's another idea, chef. Shave that fucking beard off! You look like a knob mate! You grew it to be a bit edgy and hipster. Now we are all just looking at those little bits of food you have got hanging from it. Like something from the Twits. That goes for the men too!  

 
4: Sourdough. Just an idea. I don't think many chefs are doing it right now. Try and be a trend setter. Obviously, that is a joke! So many chefs are making sourdough right now. The reason? We don't ever get the time to look after something like this normally. Sourdough starters rely on consistent nurturing. We have been dropped into a situation where we can look after something this meticulously. If not Sourdough, make a cookery video for your friends and family. Why not? You've always thought you could do better than Ainsley! Now's the time to shine. 

5: On the the subject of looking after something. I have got hooked on playing SIMS freeplay on my phone. Do not judge me. But I will be looking for my Tamagotchi soon too. Time to revive the little critters. I think my obsession with SIMS comes from my need to lead. It's filling the Head Chef space which is now a void. As far as my household is concerned, I am just the Commis in this domestic hierarchy.

6. New kit. Is it time to update your whites? When we eventually get back, it'll be great to open a fresh new Oliver Harvey Jacket (that's my personal choice) Maybe invest in some new trousers. The ones with the clingfilm belt have got to go! Knives too. I mentioned earlier about sharpening your old ones. Maybe it is also time to freshen things up with a new blade. Just don't tell your partner how much it costs!!!

7. Make a TikTok

8. Hang out with other chefs. Virtually. Set up a Zoom or Skype meet up. You do it! Don't wait for Someone else to organise it. It's not like you don't have the time! We all need the support from each others right now, more than ever. Share & like each others posts on Socials. Make a list of those who have had your back. Also remember those who have been proper dicks! Karma, good and bad, will visit post Lockdown.

9: Ok. I'm gonna say it. Exercise, Chef! You're not burning up the calories that you would normally, during that sixteen hour shift. The new chef whites will be a necessity, not a luxury at this rate, chunky butt! I know we're only allowed one form of outdoor exercise a day, but that does not mean you can't do something indoors. Make sure it counts too. Work up a sweat.
Don't take the piss here, but I actually bought myself a skipping rope. Stop laughing!.... If it works for pro boxers, it can work for me. But maybe I should stop singing nursery rhymes at the same time too. May explain the looks from the neighbours. 😇

10: Recipes. How organised is your folder? That little black book is starting to look a little tired. Go on! Freshen it up. Get a new book started and transfer those scrappy bits of paper over to it. Or even go digital. Get it backed up on to a cloud platform. OneDrive, GoogleDrive or whatever. Get it put online so you can get remote access to it whenever you want... and have wifi/Data.
You never know. It may lead to you writing that cookbook you always said that you would.

11. Lastly, but by no means, least. Get your head right. Work on things which make you feel good. This Lockdown is bloody hard on all of us. The whole world is struggling and there are millions of people in a far worse situation than us. I know that is not making you feel better. It's just an unfortunate truth. 
The only real advice I can pass on, is that we must try to not dwell on the things we are missing out on. The holidays, the drinks with friends and wearing jeans. Instead, try to appreciate the moments you are in. We are living a historic event. Enjoy the time with your household or the opportunity to catch up with friends online. Enjoy the walks (responsibly). Nature has gone wild. I live in the heart of Ipswich in Suffolk and we have have had a Muntjac running around my street, ending up in my garden (No, I didn't cook it!). Admittedly, it was pretty petrified, but the animals are noticing the quieter roads. 
So, focus on the positives. If you have been Furloughed and you have a job to go back to, nice. Take the break and try to improve yourself. Not only as a chef, but as a person too. Unless you're already perfect like me. Hahahahahahhaa! 
*Wife rolls her eyes*

Stay home, stay safe.

B

It was around 5pm on a Monday evening when the announcement came in over the news. Boris Johnson had just told the British public to avoid going to the pubs. This was one of his first measures introduced to try and slow the spread of COVID-19. Errr, thanks mate! I’d literally spent the whole day doing Mise En Place for the next few days, as my new Sous Chef was away on an ill-timed trip to Ireland. My first reaction was, on reflection a little selfish and rash.

The feeling of “what the fuck!” swept through the industry like its own unique natural disaster. Lots of professionals and restaurateurs took to social media, demanding explanations from the government. The handbrakes had been put on. Chefs, bars staff and food servers were all in the dark. Business owners were being asked questions they could not answer. More importantly, did I need to order more minced beef for tomorrow? 😊 I was down to my last batch of chilli. Were we closing? I had placed orders with suppliers for later in the week. Come on Boris, give me a heads up! Mother’s Day was just days away. The stock levels were already starting to reflect this. Professionally, this could not have come at a worse time. Mother’s day is the day the hospitality industry waits for. Usually the most frantic and intense service of the year. It makes and breaks chefs and waiters alike. But already, the cancellations were coming in, from some of those who had already taken heed of what our Prime Minister had instructed.

One of the most frustrating parts, from my perspective, was getting in touch with some of the part time kitchen staff. Letting them know that they would not be needed until further notice. Not having any real information for them apart from that. We were in unprecedented times.

Over the next few days, the situation escalated. We gathered in the bar to watch the daily announcements from number 10. Waiting to find out if we were going to be told we had to close. Primarily, were we going to get paid. People were still coming in to the pub, despite advice from the World Health Organisation. I guess some people felt that they knew better than the smart souls, in the science labs, who have researched this shit. I was only there through obligation. Doing my best to avoid contact with everyone who strolled into the bar. Watching the global, daily death tolls rising. Knowing I have friends and family in the regions they were discussing. Surely It’ll never get that bad here? Look at us now!

When the word did finally come from Number 10, I was just setting up for a Friday evening service. I knew an imminent lockdown was on the cards, but the air of disbelief in the pub was visible. By 6pm there was a throng of survivalists at the bar, clambering for their last beverages. As much as I appreciated the trade coming through the door, everyone who came in, I eyed with caution. You washed your hands bruv? I just wanted to get home to my family.

I could see the stress it was putting on people around me. The pub has recently had a brand new kitchen installed, along with some other refurbishments. Due to open any day. A lot of money had been spent on getting it ready. Frustratingly close to completion. My seven year wait for the new cooking space was coming to an end, so we thought. Everything was now on hold. But the news from the government was a small piece of welcome relief. A few assurances were announced which lifted a lot of our pressures. There were still uncertainties, but the atmosphere was definitely lightened by the knowledge that we would be getting some sort of pay.

under wraps for now.Over the days which followed, Chefs up and down the country were offering take away and delivery services to help clear remaining stocks. Some are carrying this on for the foreseeable future. But a majority of employers are starting to look towards the welfare of their staff. After all, community starts at home.

As for the future, who knows? This lockdown looks to be going on for a while. A few restaurants and bars may fall by the wayside and not recover. But I sincerely hope, we can all get back to where we were. I have a shiny new kitchen waiting for me and I really am starting to miss being “Chef”. My wife and kids have never eaten so well. It’s still fun to raid the kitchen cupboards and create dishes in the style of Ready-Steady-Cook! But I feel this novelty may wear off as the lockdown progresses.

Once this is all over, I hope that the public look to reinvest in the British economy, by literally pissing it away. Hitting the pubs, restaurants and theatres. Calling out the plumbers and electricians to fix all the jobs we’ve bodged up around the house during this lockdown. Meeting with friends and family, face to face and hugging them like never before.

I hope the sense of community stays with us and we all respect those who helped keep us going during this crisis. The Shop workers, the medical professionals and the people who have kept us connected. The entertainers, the writers, the musicians and even social media personalities, who are doing their part to provide content and memes for scrolling fingers.

Stay Home, Save Lives.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Over the past year, I have been fortunate enough to be asked to visit schools and colleges. Talking with students taking GCSE cookery and to those in catering colleges. I’ve helped out in food tech lessons and had the opportunity to speak with the young people about possible careers within hospitality. I personally feel that this is something we, as chefs, should be putting ourselves forward for. Engaging with young people. Showing them alternative industries. Our industry is fading out at grassroots level. It’s not really being offered as a career choice in high schools or from parents. Working in hospitality is largely seen as a job you do while training for something else. The British perception of a young person working behind a bar or as a waiter is that it is not their proper job! As for chefs. Well they just appear. There seems to be no acknowledgement that some people WANT to be chefs. Restaurants are just opened by people who like to cook…. Or the French! 
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I’d go in to schools and do my thing. A little cookery demonstration, help out with lessons and talk about my career. By no means the most extravagant career. But I’ve travelled, I’ve eaten, I’ve met some of the coolest people. This profession has been good to me. That’s not to say it hasn’t tried to kill me a few times. Careers in the kitchen are often overlooked. I can honestly say that the jobs mentioned by careers advisors while I was at school were heavily focused around white-collar jobs. (And I don’t mean chef jackets). Doctors, accountants, vets, business owners, teachers and that executive lifestyle. I understand that a lot of things may have changed nowadays. But for me, back in the 90’s (so long ago) it was a time which felt like there were only a handful of career options. Pick one… NOW! I still feel that 15/16 years old is far too young to be trying to think of a career, but that’s another blog, for another day. 

After my visits to schools. I’d often get a message from the parents of a child asking for advice on careers as a chef for their son or daughter. Result!!! 

So, here is some of the advice I pass on:

• There are so many types of chefs these days. From High-End Michelin Star and private yacht chefs to social media food stylists. The careers can be so varied and ranging. Don’t think for one second, that being a chef is all about wearing whites and shouting like Ramsay! Look into the different aspects of hospitality. Get experience of different types of cooking, food service and restaurants. Where you start is rarely how you’ll end up. Many fine dining cooks have turned to street food trucks. Café cooks who have turned to large scale event catering. Go get that experience.

• Move around: following on from previous point. Your CV should show different experiences. This is where the hospitality sector is different to most other careers. Employers like to see people who have moved around either within a company or to somewhere new. I’ve always said that 2years is a good amount of time to learn and move on. Especially in the early part of your career. Once you’ve found a position or role you are happy with and suits you, then it’s over to you.

• The hours are LONG. You will be on your feet for 12 hour days. You will put in the miles as a chef. So it’s really important that you look after yourself physically and mentally. So, factor this in when you are moving around in your career. If you find an employer or role which supports your own wellbeing, then it’s worth sticking out. These are rare unfortunately. You want to be able to take breaks, holidays and have people around you who make you feel good. 

• Ask questions throughout your career. You will never stop learning. Food trends change constantly. There is always something new to learn. A few years ago, when I was teaching a mature learners class, I was shown how to make traditional samosas by one of my Somalian students. I absolutely loved that day. The teacher, becoming the student.

We are seeing a slight resurgence in the hospitality field, with people taking more of an interest through TV shows like Great British Menu, MasterChef Professionals and the wealth of cookery shows on streaming services. Unfortunately, there are a few shows which do very little to ingratiate this life as a chef. Highlighting the pitfalls, aggression and stress which can come with the Chef-life Hashtag. It’s our role as real chefs, real restaurant and bar staff, real hospitality workers to make ourselves accessible to anyone who shows an interest in this industry. Spare five minutes to talk to the those who ask. We don’t want to be replaced by vending machines. 
Thanks for reading. I’d love to know: What advice would you pass on? Tell me your positive industry stories? Have a great 2020! #CookStrong

A few weeks ago, I was asked to visit my former High School. I am a member of the Alumni network and have visited the school previously. On finding out that this was to be quite a large class, I asked another former pupil and chef to come and help me out. My main man Chef Ross and I put a plan together which we felt would be fun, entertaining and most importantly engaging and educational. 
We'd been instructed that the class were planning on being involved in a Tunnocks Teacake Challenge. Also they were looking for inspiration for their GCSE examination presentations.
The session we put together started with a brief chat about presentation techniques which include a short video from Massimo Bottura. Where he explains the origins on his famous "Oops, I dropped the Lemon Tart"  

Chef Ross and I were able to also demonstrate some plating techniques. I had a small selection of edible flowers, micro herbs purees and vegetables. A few pupils had a go at presenting versions of the dish which I had shown them.
Ross then showed two versions of Eton Mess. Traditional and a fine dining version. Both equally impressive...and delicious!
A massive thanks to Northgate High School for the invitation. Also thanks to the pupils who were great fun.
Also. Thanks to Chef Ross Cook of Ravenwood Hall too.

I recently watched the first few episodes of The Brigade on BBC. This was a show centred around Chef Jason Atherton building a team of chefs to compete against kitchens and established teams from around Europe. I was first drawn to the concept of this show, as it was targeting real chefs, chefs like me. Chefs who don’t necessarily have that Michelin Star/ Rosette experience, but are passionate about being chefs. I thought this was something I could get my teeth in to.

Shortly into the first episode, I started to feel unnerved. To be clear, this is not a TV show review. What unsettled me was the use of language. In our industry which is dying on its ass due to the lack of new chefs coming through. The show seemed to be doing its best to showcase the hardline, military-like leadership strategies which have seen a lot of good chefs crumble and leave kitchens across the world. Full respect to Mr Atherton and his collection of Michelin Stars. I don’t doubt his talent and ability. I have no place to judge his cooking or his management style. This was just something which led me to think and consider my own leadership style. Is my own laidback, mild mannered nature holding me back.

I’ve always been a self-proclaimed nice guy. I rarely raise my voice in the kitchens I’ve worked in. I’m all about encouragement and lifting my team up, as opposed to shaming, boot-camping and ruling by fear. But I also don’t have Michelin stars to protect.

Chef Atherton referred to his two other chefs as his Lieutenants on a few occasions, reinforcing the military language. I guess this fits the tone of the show. Handing power to chefs as a reward, while humiliating others with the black jersey of the Kitchen Porter role. This reminded me of my early days in the kitchens of hotels. Something I look back on and cringe at the thought of the language we used with each other. Where bullying was “banter”. Where any sign of weakness was looked at with disdain. “Mental Health” would raise a laugh at its very mention. Oh how times have changed.

These TV shows are designed to entertain. Those who go in for them, usually know what they are letting themselves in for. I just found the process a little washed out. By this, I mean it over simplified the process of chef training, skill development and character building. In a way, I wish the show was longer. I wished it involved more training and more simple cookery challenges. Having chefs compete against Michelin Starred kitchen brigades is a heavily flawed concept. But that’s modern television I guess.

To reiterate my point. This is not a pub chef from Ipswich (me), going-in on a Michelin Star chef! I have full admiration for Chef Jason Atherton. Although his clumsy, pidgin English when speaking with other European language speaking chefs, did give me a giggle. I guess my issue is wholly to do with the shows concept and editing. I have big issues with chefs being pushed “to breaking point” for someone’s dinner. “If he breaks, he breaks!” is not a phrase I ever want to hear in a kitchen. Especially heading in to 2020. We can’t expect chefs to be thrown into elite kitchen and be able to produce food on that level. At one point Chef Atherton compares it to coming up from the championship, in to the premier league, against Man City. No. This is only comparable to Ipswich Town under 18s going up against Real Madrid.

I enjoyed hearing the Head Chefs talk about their restaurants and their own leadership styles. Seeing the inside of high functioning kitchens and witnessing cutting edge cookery techniques, in itself would be a great show. But we already have Chefs Table on Netflix for that.

As the series went on, my respect for Mr Atherton went up even more. We don’t share the same training values, but like I said, I have no awards to protect. I can’t even pretend to understand what that pressure would be like. But my life feels relatively complete without that.

Adding competition and elimination to this concept seems misguided. With so many great cookery shows available to us, this is a real stretch. Maybe I’m missing the point for this show. But if I’m missing it, then surely other young potential chefs are missing it too. The noise of “leadership” and the pressure of Michelin are evident. Some of the passion and pride of being a chef is lost. The pressure of performance is overwhelming. There are a lot of established chefs who would struggle with this format. Maybe the next series, they should send a Brigade of TV chefs. Get Ainsley, James Martin, Nigella and Jamie Oliver in there. Lets see how those guys handle it?

That’s just my thoughts.

Cheers,

Brian

Watch the BBC series herehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00077h7/the-chefs-brigade

Last night I was tasked with the assignment of teaching two young stars, a few dishes, before they head off to University. For this session, we made a classic tomato sauce. This is a very versatile dish to have in your repertoire. We made a coconut and vegetables curry. This, again, to showcase the adaptability of some ingredients. Slicing and chipping techniques and making omelettes, also made up part of the session. I had a load of fun and I feel that my two chefs did too.
This is just one of the services I can provide through my 121 classes. Time did not permit me to organise a group class, like I had wished. But I really hope I will have one ready for next summer.
If you are interested in a private session, drop me a message and let’s see if I can help.
more photos to follow.....

Last Saturday, I hosted my first Caribbean cookery class at the Taste Academy in Ipswich. Even though the turn out was not full to capacity, I was happy with the four clients whose personalities filled the room. 
I love teaching, I love working with people and helping them develop new skills. There is a certain amount of happiness which comes from empowering people with knowledge, which I can sometimes take for granted. 
​These classes are about connecting people with professional chefs. Starting with myself, I hope to bring other chefs on board to pass on their skills and knowledge to any willing participants.

With some gentle Soca sound-tracking in the background. The session kicked off with a good ol rummage through the cupboards and drawers of the studio. The class needed to get their bearings. This also provided me with the opportunity to refresh my memory with where everything is kept. 
The first half of the day was about preparing our lunch and getting the curry goat started. The curry goat was always going to be a challenge, it needs to cook for a good few hours, so it was vital to get this on in the morning session. 

Deep fried Bajan Fishcakes and plantain for lunch. With enough leftover batter to take home and treat the family. My trusty assistant (Mrs P) prepared a salad for the group to share while eating their little creations. We almost forgot about the red cabbage slaw which we'd, made at the start of the day.

The session was rounded out with us making Ackee and Saltfish. A Jamaican speciality. This is a dish I wasn't particularly familiar with growing up. My own family are from Barbados. Although still in the Caribbean, the culinary styles on each island can be so varied and diverse, you'd be mistaken to  generalise West Indian cookery into a singular style or flavour. Even the rice and peas we made at the end of the class was closer to my own family recipe than anything else that may be made by any TV chef.  A simple base of Black Eye peas, chicken stock and long grain rice.  
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If you are interested in coming along to a future class, please drop me a message and I will send you an email when the next class goes live. 
The next class is likely to be CHRISTMAS DINNER UPGRADE! Take your dinner to the next level.

I am also looking at hosting the Caribbean class as a 4 week course. Like I say, drop me a message if your up for that!

Thanks,

​Brian P

We are all human. We are all part of the same species. We do our best to live our lives to the fullest capacity. Navigating our way through a mixture of chaos, luck, love and mediocrity. I sometimes feel that we, as chefs and people who work in the hospitality industry, we fit just outside the realm of the social norm. We still have the same desires, needs and wishes. We still want the same things from our lives. We just naturally have more realistic expectations of life. I feel this comes from working in the service industry. From this vantage point we witness the society’s best and worst types of people. The polite and the rude. The humble and the brash. The Princess and the Ladette.


This is just a blog. It is not a structured thesis. I will not claim it is by any means, a complete social diagnostic. This is just a blog. Buy this, I mean it is just my personal, social observation at this point in my writing I don’t even know if I will reach a conclusion. But I’ll persevere.


We work in an industry where the job we do, most people can do for themselves and often do for themselves most days. By this, I mean we feed people and most people are capable of preparing a meal for themselves even it’s beans on toast, making a drink or a sandwich. We are just trained (usually) to be able to do this job professionally, quicker and hopefully tastier. This puts us in a strange position where we are open to criticism buy anybody. They’ll compare against their own ability, previous experiences and their expectations. There are very few industries in which the simplest and menial aspects of your job can be scrutinised by the general public. From the crispness of your ironed shirt to the flakiness of your pastry. There has even been criticism from people complaining about other guests being “too noisy”. Like, that’s the fault of the venue!!


It’s been said several times by several different people, that being a chef, takes a special type of person. Whether you work in the high-end fine dining or are a grill chef in a fast food restaurant. It takes a special kind of person to maintain longevity in this trade, while retaining their sanity and physical health. Being able to graft for twelve hours a day consistently for several days in a row. All while also trying to function as a normal human being.. It takes a unique person to be able to work front of house for hours upon hours on their feet. Either being objectified, look down upon or just plain ignored as a member of the same species. Most of us chefs love what we do but we wish for the better balance. Lots of employers talk about offering a better work life balance. But the practicality but being able to fulfil this from a business point is very difficult. As chefs we’d love to work, the mythical, four day week but we all want to be paid for a seven day week. Food industry habitually and globally underpays and under values chefs and hospitality workers. Part of the problem here is that we are guilty of undervaluing what we do. We can take for granted, that what we do in just normal. Whereas, the general public would look at us like we are magicians. Like I mentioned earlier in this blog. There are a lot of things the public can do and replicate for themselves at home. But when we get it right! Oh boy! We can blow minds. We can unlock emotional experiences. We ARE magicians!

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So, I suppose what my summary would be, that we need to know our self-worth. We really need to value what we do and be valued for our role in society and Humanity. Because, like my mum told me when I first told her I was going to enrol as a chef at college “People will always need food!” I like to believe that people will always go out for something to eat/drink. We are one of the last future proof industries. When the banks and governments are all run by Artificial Intelligence. The chefs will still be going strong….Until Jeff Bezos buys and clones all the chefs for Amazon!

In 2018 Kanye West released an Album, title “Ye”. The artwork on the cover featured the quote “I hate being Bipolar, it’s awesome”. In its profoundness and simplicity it encompassed his feelings towards his own personal medical diagnosis. I have never pretended to understand what it is like to be bipolar or the daily battles involved in dealing with many mental health issues, but that’s not what this blog is about. Sorry, but it’s not.

I may be oversimplifying this. But I found this title to be very relevant to how I feel about being a chef. I, by no means want to take away from anyone suffering with mental health issues or mental illness. This is just a reference point I have connected to an image.

So. Do I really hate being a chef? Of course not. Is it Awesome? Sometimes. I don’t want to preach to the choir here. Most of the readers of my blogs are chefs, work in the industry or are people who just like to stalk me. Either way, most are quite well versed in my opinions of this trade.

It is bloody hard and the hours are long. The money is mostly shit and everyone is a critic of your work. Literally, everyone! That all sounds pretty horrible right? Very few industries can claim to put it’s employees through this scrutiny. The likes of TripAdvisor, Yelp or whatever, being able to empower faceless reviewers to pass ill-informed comment on service and procedures they may know little about. Shit, right?

But then there is the other side. The friends we make. The chefs we cross paths with as commis and then again, in latter years as Head Chefs. The Knowledge that you’ve seen each other’s kitchen fuck ups. They are the untold secrets, their chefs need not know about. There is the prestige which comes with success. The review from a respected journalist or a nice write up in the local paper. Better still, a customer telling you directly that the meal was amazing! These are moments again, which are rarely rivalled. So much joy can come from this industry, that I know I’d struggle to turn my back on it fully.

Having a skill like this, will always be respected. If you are a good chef and take your job seriously, you will be admired. So many people look at chefs like we are Magicians, Wizards or Witches. The skills we take for granted, are looked at by “Muggles” as if we just pulled a Rabbit Fricasse out of a hat! We chefs sometimes underestimate what it is we do. Maybe society is to blame for this. Especially here in the UK where the hospitality industry is looked at as something one does to supplement their income. “What’s your day job?” or “Did you always want to be a chef?” The latter question is one I get asked very often. I only recently connected it with the notion that people would not assume “Chef” as a career choice. That’s another rant, for another blog!

If you are considering a career as a chef. Go for it. I’ve been a chef for over 25 years and I still love it. Like any relationship, there are good days and there are bad days. The industry is going through lots of changes right now. With more emphasis on wellbeing now than ever before. Employers are more aware on how much they can and cannot push their staff psychologically. The benefit of this can result in better way of life for ALL involved. Happier employees, happy customers, better food, better business. Makes sense, right?

Being a chef is a love/hate thing. I could ramble on, but I know you get what I’m saying here. We mostly all feel the same.
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I hate being a chef, it’s awesome. This summarises my feelings to an extent. Although hate is a very strong word. Too strong, in fact. I may update the image/title to say Being a chef pisses me off a bit sometimes, but it’s pretty cool. 

I was in the gym the recently. I jumped on a fancy new machine and I was asked to enter some details via the digital display. Weight, height and age. Not the first time I’ve had to do this at the gym. So, without giving it too much thought I answered the questions. Weight: 92kg (ouch!), Height: 183cm (Whatever 6ft is in cm), Age: 43….yeah 43?…Hang on… shit! I’m 44! I had seriously forgotten my age. How long had I been saying that I am 43? Considering my birthday was last November. Had I completely disregarded that one? The more profound realisation, was that this year, I will be turning 45. I know this is by no means “old” but it made me think. How much longer can I do this for? I’m not talking about the cross trainer I was on, but, this life as a chef. I know there are a certain level of chefs, who may not be able to relate to this. But, to the faction of us in stained whites, who are serving up the not so glamorous burgers and chilli nachos to the beer and Prosecco swilling masses. The days can be long and monotonous. The only reprieve coming when taking a moment to scroll through Instagram and daydreaming about being a part of the Tweezer Crew in some chrome and steel plated, high-end kitchen.
So, what’s the plan Brian? What’s your End Game? (that was going to ne the name of this blog, but didn’t want you to think it was an Avengers Movie review). As I’ve stated, I know 44 is not old, but it is an age which I feel I should be seriously considering my next move. I’m not actively looking for a new job, but I always consider new opportunities, ventures and collaborations, whether it’s cooking, consulting or teaching. This usually fits quite nicely into my current roll at the pub and with my website. That’s kinda what I do…but how long can I keep doing it?
For the purpose of this blog and for those in a similar situation, I thought I should list some of options I’ve take or thought about. With a view that those who actually read this post, can add their own ideas in the comments below, thus creating an inspiration wall of strategies. Ya get me?
Me, myself and I:
The approach which I am currently taking, is more psychological. I enjoy my job. I find aspects of it frustrating, I wish I had more money. All the normal qualms people have with working full time. But, what I do now is, I focus more on my life outside of work. Making the commitment to something which is not related to pots and pans. For me, it’s running, going to the gym and working on improving my fitness. It’s making me focus on something else which is inherently more important. Me! Ironic as it was the gym which triggered this whole episode. Fitness does not need to be the focus here. The point is, making structured time for yourself and moving the kitchen, bar or restaurant away from the top of the list. Reading, audio-books and podcasts are another thing I add to this tool kit of self-preservation. Shut the world off. Focus on myself.
Money:
Taking a reduction in pay or hours is an option I toyed with. Could I go and work in a school or care home for a reduced wage, more family friendly hours. Stepping away from the restaurant sector and more in to the care/private sector. I know a few chefs who have done this. It works for some. But this is where the balance of mental welfare and financial stability can be like walking a tightrope. There are a few chefs working as sales reps. Still in hospitality. Selling everything from chilled pastry items, fruit and veg, to Combi ovens. These jobs tend to pay a little better than being a dinner-lady/man. But as with most Sales Rep jobs, these are mostly commission based. So the pay will fluctuate.
Start-Up:
Go for it….or don’t. That idea you’ve always had for your own place. Can you do it? Take the time to develop a business plan. Do your research. Whether it’s a Bar, restaurant, tea room, food truck, pop-up or something completely different. Stop procrastinating and grab that pen, a piece of paper and start scribbling down your idea. Just by focusing on this, it will give you something to think about. Even while you are working, use those moments to think about what you’d do differently or even, the same! I have a new business idea most weeks. I know this is the area I need to commit more time to personally. I’m hoping to host my first official pop-up within the next 12 months. This comes with a lot of stresses and hard work. But as Maya Angelou says Nothing will work, unless you do!
Freelancing:
A booming sector right now. Lots of chefs are taking themselves off the grid and becoming wandering hands for hire. You can end up working a lot more than you were before, but in theory, you do get paid for every single hour you work. But if you are looking to take your foot off the gas, this may not always be the best option. Your employer will want value for money and they tend to demand more for the £20 per hour chef even when it’s not so busy. Again, this works for some. Have you got a car? This is a very viable option. My advice would be to get your negotiation skills up to speed and get short term contract agreements signed.
Career change:
For a while, I went in to teaching. I was an instructor of Professional cookery at the local college. I loved this. Well. I loved the teaching part. The bureaucracy of the roll was what frustrated me. But that’s for another blog. Needless to say, This is where I fell in love with teaching. I was only in the roll for a year and a half, but I still now do visits to schools and colleges. As well as private cookery tuition.
To date, I am one of the few remaining chefs still cooking professionally, from my graduating class at catering college. They mostly dropped by the wayside to become bus drivers, bank workers, firefighters, taxi drivers, mums, dads and in one case, running a Skip Hire company! I love being a chef. I don’t feel I could stray too far from what I do now. The changes I look for are more to do with coping strategies. I can’t see myself doing anything which is not related to food. Maybe you see yourself in an office or “doing lunch” with colleagues. That’s not a world for me chef! Put a pin in that, we’ll touch base over brunch yah?
Talk:
This is the one which is most important. If you are struggling with your workload. Talk to someone. It doesn’t have to be a coworker. Just talking with someone WILL make you feel better. But if you can talk to someone at work who can influence your conditions, then do it. If they want you to be happy, the humanity in them will drive them to make it so. Leaving a job is not always the best solution. We’ve all been in the situation where we’ve left a job, then found out the thing that was pissing you off there has been changed for your replacement.
If you have no one you feel you can chat with, drop me an Direct Message for fucks sake. I’m proper nice (mostly). I’m no therapist but you’re still welcome to pay me £150 per hour or just buy me a beer if we meet.
I can’t claim to be an expert on behaviour, social well being or any sort of psychologist. But I have wrestled with the subject of “What next?” a lot over the past few months. This blog is by no means detailed. I can only apologise for that. Maybe one day I’ll be in a situation where I can afford more time and resources to do more research. If you are like me and starting to think about how you want to see out your career, please comment below. There are so many options these days. The hospitality sector is so vast. Your dream job or opportunity is never that far away. It just takes a leap of faith and self-belief. I will keep doing my thing. I love what I do, but I know it’s not sustainable. I’ll still focus on self-development. Maybe one day I’ll look back at this blog and think what was I worried about?
Maybe I’ll write a book.
Cheers
B