Meet Alf, Head Chef of 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Holiday Inn Southend.
We quizzed Alf on his passion for food, have a look below at his answers…..
1. Did you grow up having a love for food?
From a young age all i ever remember was going restaurant to restaurant, trying new plates of food almost like a hobby with my grandad… many years ago.
2. Did any family members teach you cooking? Was your family foodies?
My Nan was always the home foodie and inspiration reading out of the old school Nigella cookbook like it was a bible, HAHA!
3. When did you decide to become a chef?
the age of 13 i had decided it was something i had an interest in, at 15 I took up my first kitchen hand/ kp job in west London called Baroque.
4. What chef qualifications have you achieved?
I currently have A professional chefs’ diploma from Westminster Kingsway college, London, level 4 in commercial cookery & diploma in hospitality.
5. What is your signature dish? What do people love about it?
My curry sausage roll is unique in its own little way. it’s a show stopping crowd pleaser!!
6. How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
Wherever you have travelled from, I propose to have a culinary experience for you that will delight. My menus combine contemporary and traditional flavors from diverse cuisines, including British, European, Pan Asian, Indian and global fusion. Our team of specialist chefs explore and work with a variety of cooking styles from Chargrilling to sous vide and molecular gastronomy.
7. Name the three kitchen tools you can’t do without?
Thermo mix, My Trusty Chef’s Knife, Sharpie Marker.
8. What made you apply for this head chef position @1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar?
I like to think I am a positive, self-driven and enthusiastic Hospitality professional who is always looking for the next challenge and when 1935 came up i just could not resist the opportunity to showcase some of my very own food in such an iconic restaurant so close to home.
I am classically trained and always strive to draw a diverse working environment implementing lots of culture and personality in to my food.
I have worked all across the world! Australia, The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland, Canada. There just isn’t anything more satisfying than being able to use all the skills and knowledge i have gained and do it on home soil!!
9. Tell us about your menus in 1935 Rooftop Restaurant?
Rooftop dining! Enjoy delicious contemporary and traditional flavors from diverse cuisines, including British, European, Pan Asian, Indian and global fusion. Our team of specialist chefs explore and work with a variety of cooking styles from Chargrilling to sous vide and molecular gastronomy.
