Member of the Month May 2024: Hayden Barkley

The Staff Canteen

Editor

Here at The Staff Canteen, we feature a different member every month we think deserves to be celebrated - this month’s winner is Hayden Barkley.

As thanks for being a regular contributor to The Staff Canteen, Hayden will receive an item of TSC merch, a TSC mug and will be entered in our Member of the Year 2024 competition.

Member of the Month feature is brought to you in association with The Staff Canteen App, CHEF+ (available on IOS and Android)

Hayden has been a member of The Staff Canteen since April 2024.

>>> Find out more about Hayden and follow him

Current Place Of Work/Position?

Head Chef at Summat To Ate, a steak restaurant and function rooms at Hindley, Wigan.

What is your cooking style and what should people expect from the food on your menu?

We are a steak restaurant with 2 function rooms, A la carte menu. Couple quirky dishes, couple crowd pleasers…

What is your favorite dish to cook and why?

Favourite dish to cook - pressed oxtail, saffron risotto and gremolata starter simply so I can eat it. All prep easy serve, nothing too flashy.

Name a food item/dish/ingredient that isn’t considered “cheffy” but that you love to eat

Spam & egg on toast 100% from the cafe next door on a Sunday morning.

What do you like about The Staff Canteen app and website?

My 127 followers (joking…) when lacking inspiration when writing yet another menu can pick different parts of other people’s dishes and create them into your own.

What are your plans for the future?

Staying at this restaurant to try and grow the business.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt as a chef?

Life is easier when both FOH and BOH cooperate in a restaurant to run the show.

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