Nigel Haworth discusses his role as Chef patron at Northcote Manor and his own inspirations with regards to pursuing a career as a Chef.
Name: Nigel Haworth
Place of work: Northcote Manor
Role: Chef patron
Bio: Nigel has been at Northcote Manor since 1984 and has held a Michelin star at the restaurant since 1996. He has worked in Switzerland, at Gleneagles and at Grosvenor Hotel in London before returning to his home county of Lancashire to lecture. He was then offered the Head Chef position at Northcote where he has worked ever since. Nigel has recently appeared on television shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Market Kitchen.
Chef Skills
Nigel Haworth takes us through his personal experiences whilst being in the Culinary Industry. These key skills that young Chefs and industry professionals learn as part of their basic training.
How long have you been in this role?
For 30 years.
What are your ultimate top five tips for someone looking to start a career in the hospitality sector?
1. Be ambitious and confident.
2. Show enthusiasm.
3. Remember to be a team player.
4. Do homework about the area you are interested in, a bit of knowledge is always a good tool to have Practice.
5. Try to gain some experience with someone who can teach you the basic skills and then just practice, practice practice.
What are the main things that young Chefs should be doing to build their CV up?
If they are young, then do some stagiaires, get some work experience. If you are on holiday abroad and are ambitious enough you could try to get a couple days experience in a kitchen, whether that is in Barcelona, Paris or Torquay, it doesn’t matter where. Don’t be shy.
Also, cook at home to practice things, write to people you think might be able to help you. If you show enthusiasm in hospitality someone will help you.
Who are the key Chefs and restaurants that someone should be speaking to and trying to gain experience with?
I would start by looking at Chefs in your area who have developed a successful business, it doesn’t have to be a Michelin-starred restaurant, and you can learn a lot of good things in a good restaurant.
Speak to someone locally then move on from that if you are more ambitious. Look in major cities like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and if you are in college ask your tutors, they will be able to help you and may be able to organise some work experience for you.
Any other tips from a cookery school perspective?
In regards to finding the right college cookery school for you, I would make sure you pick a good college, not just the nearest college. The start to your career is very important but there is always a second chance in hospitality if you don’t get it right initially.
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