Father's Day: Scott Perkins, London Gellar College of Hospitality and Tourism

Ahead of Father's Day, we thought we’d do something a bit different and ask chefs to tell us about how their dads inspired them to start their career.

• Find out what chefs Nathan Outlaw, Simon Hulstone and Luke Tipping had to say about their dads here

After all, what better way to honour and pay tribute to some great dads and shout out to chef dads everywhere?

Scott Perkins is Restaurant Operations Chef Trainer at the London Gellar College of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of West London. He teaches students in their training restaurant, Pillars. Scott also competed in The Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year 2018 competition. He told us how his father Neil has a prestigious chef career working around the world with the likes of Charlie Trotter, Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Paul Gayler.

Tell us about your childhood and how your father inspired your career.

When I was younger, my father was always working, ensuring that me and sister never wanted for anything. My inspiration came from his great advice on everything from how to approach the industry to work ethic. He also provided me with his knowledge and showed me where I could learn more, in books and with research. My father also took me to eat out in the best restaurants in Britain. He directed me in my younger years to make the right career moves. He gave me sound and correct advice when I had issues and kept me on the straight path to what will hopefully be a successful chef career.

When did you decide that you wanted to follow in his footsteps?

When I was 16, I decided to follow in his footsteps after many years of going to his workplace. I helped out with little jobs, be it peeling onions, making sandwiches or sauce prep. Sometimes this would be if I was a little misbehaved at school! During the half term, I would get to work in my dad’s kitchen for the week. Secretly, I would love the experience. Cheers Dad!

Does your dad still cook, professionally or at home?

Yes, he works for Bishopswood Golf Club as the executive head chef, providing restaurant food, bar snacks and private dinners on a large scale.

Is there a particular dish he taught you to cook?

 He taught me how to make a good sauce. I believe this is a vital skill for a chef. Also, how to cook fish perfectly!

 Is there a message you’d like to say to him for Father’s Day?

 Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thank you for all your hard work, inspiration and time you have provided me with in your career, and I hope to make you proud of mine!