OXFORD CHEF TALKS
BEN GIBBONS
Ben was self-described ‘off the rails’ as a teenager. Getting the chance to work in an Oxford College kitchen at the age of 17 was his new start. Now, he’s Master of the City of Oxford Guild of Chefs and Head Chef at St Anne’s College, Oxford. We spoke to him about his journey to the kitchen, how he sees cooking as art, and why he’s passionate about getting more people into the industry.
MARIA GONZALEZ
Maria once claimed she would never bake a cake. Now, she runs Maria Bonita Bakery in Oxford, supplying some of your favourite coffee shops with delicious (and beautiful) baked goods, having trained in boulangerie at Le Cordon Bleu. Maria chatted with us about how losing her mum was the beginning of her journey as an artisan baker and why she believes if you want to be a chef – you should just go for it.
SEAN DUCIE
Sean always knew he wanted to be a chef and some of his earliest memories are of watching his mum cooking. Working in kitchens from the age of 14, Sean’s cheffing career has taken him to F1 racetracks, boutique hotels, country pubs and Oxford Colleges. He chats with us about the joy of cooking for people, what he loves about his role as Head Chef at The Queen’s College, Oxford, and why cheffing could be for you.
AIMEE COLLINS
Aimee co-owns and is Exec Chef at both Five Little Pigs in Wallingford and The Bear of North Moreton but describes herself as an accidental restaurateur, with her love of cooking snowballing into a successful career. We chatted with Aimee about her passion for local produce, how her hobby became her career, and why cooking is its own kind of therapy.
THEO SELBY
Theo dropped out of sixth form when he realised he was more passionate about his after-school kitchen job than he was about school. Now, he's Head Chef at two Michelin star restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire. He chatted with us about his career so far, why he loves cooking, and his advice for aspiring chefs.
Want to become a chef?!
Apprenticeships
Work experience
Work experience
City of Oxford College has a scheme led by Activate Learning https://oxford.activatelearning.ac.uk/courses/career-pathways/hospitality-and-professional-cookery/
HIT Training provide on the job apprentice schemes
https://hittraining.co.uk/apprenticeship/level-2-commis-chef/
Work experience
Work experience
Work experience
If you are considering work experience options and have an interest in becoming a chef, many Oxford Uni Colleges take on work experience placements.
Message via the 'Contact Us' box, we will pass on your details to hopefully find you a placement.
Jobs
Work experience
Jobs
Finding the right chef job often comes down to knowing where to look. Specialist platforms such as LinkedIn, Caterer.com and Daily info, recruitment agencies such as Goldstar and industry networking events are all great places to start. On top of that, most Colleges, restaurants and hotels all advertise on their own websites or social media.