Hospitality Catering | Meet Ben, Our Head Chef at Balmer Lawn Hotel
At Balmer Lawn Hotel, we take pride in the high standard of our hospitality catering, recognising the hard work of the staff that make it happen.
Read on to find out more about our talented head chef, Ben Brooks, and his journey into the world of hospitality catering at Balmer Lawn Hotel.
Hospitality Catering | Meet Ben
A talented and determined addition to our team at Balmer Lawn Hotel, Ben Brooks has been working with us for six and a half years. Starting as a chef de partie, Ben quickly advanced through the kitchen ranks, finding his place as our incredible head chef.
When talking to Ben about his position within hospitality catering and what he particularly enjoys about working with us, he stated that “The best thing about my job is that every day at work is different. The satisfaction I get when dishes are leaving the kitchen exactly as they should be is second-to-none. Flexibility in the menu is something I am always very grateful for, as it gives me free reign to construct dishes of my desire.”
The Role of a Head Chef at Balmer Lawn Hotel
Ben is an incredibly valuable asset to our hospitality catering team at Balmer Lawn Hotel. He said: “My role at the hotel is to make sure the kitchen runs as efficiently as can be, ensuring the highest quality and productivity. Also, to make sure the quality of produce received is where it should be and hygiene is to standard.”
Hospitality Catering | Ben’s Journey to Balmer Lawn Hotel
Ben’s initial interest in hospitality catering started from an early age: “Enjoying food tech at school and baking at home pushed me to investigate possibilities of cooking as a career. I was lucky enough to know exactly where I wanted to be, and haven’t looked back since.”
Ben originally joined the Balmer Lawn Hotel team in 2010 during his time at catering college. Then, after exploring cuisine in a range of different restaurants, he found his way back to working with us as a chef de partie in 2016.
“Ever since, I have continued to work hard and push myself to get the promotions, wanting to progress my career. As time has gone on, I’m still as excited now as I was when I started. The produce we are surrounded by locally is fantastic, and having freedom with the menu allows me to prepare dishes that make those ingredients sing; that’s what I love!”
Hospitality Catering | Interest and Qualifications
When choosing a career in hospitality catering, a keen interest and passion for the sector is extremely important. When we asked Ben about his initial interest in hospitality catering, he said: “Whilst at college, I had a lot of work experience and already had a part time job in a pub kitchen in the New Forest.
“I looked for the benefits of becoming successful and had a passion for cooking. I always looked forward to my next step and had an end goal, which I’m pleased to say I have reached! Learning something different every day is a bonus, there is so much variety in this industry and that is what makes it exciting.”
At Balmer Lawn Hotel, we highly encourage our employees to further develop their education and practical skills, supporting them wherever we can. Regarding his own qualifications, Ben was happy to share that “I went to college to study for a professional chef’s diploma straight after school, of which I completed levels 1 & 2 with distinction. I have also completed the level 3 chefs’ diploma on top of that for extra knowledge and qualification. I am a qualified first aider and have level 3 in food hygiene and safety.”
Why Balmer Lawn Hotel?
When talking to Ben, we were keen to find out his feelings towards Balmer Lawn Hotel and why he has chosen to continue his hospitality catering career with us.
“Balmer Lawn is a brilliant hotel with all sorts of opportunities; that’s what attracted me and still does to this day. To work in the same hotel for over 6 years is something not many chefs do, but since returning, the change from then until now is incredible. And the drive from within to continue pushing forward and progressing the hotel for the better is something that drives me personally to want to continue this journey.”
When asked what he is looking forward to at Balmer Lawn Hotel, Ben stated that “Over the next year, we as a kitchen are planning to progress our dining areas in terms of the food offering and the style”.
Hospitality Catering | Advice for Choosing this Career
As with many careers in hospitality, hospitality catering requires you to hold a clear image of your aims and goals for the future. Ben said: “...go after what you want. Set yourself a goal and review yourself every 6 months to make sure you are on the right track. To be a chef is a great way of earning a living but also opens many doors to workplaces you may have never known existed. Work hard, have respect, and never give up.”
If working in hospitality catering sounds like a good fit for you, take a look at our current vacancies!
Alternatively, take a look at our previous blog to read about Lindsey’s Balmer Lawn Hotel journey.
