A long-term lover of cookery, Carl dreams of catering on cruise ships and eventually opening his own restaurant as he studies for his Chef’s Diploma at Lewisham College…

Name: Carl Greenslade
Institution: Lewisham College
Course: Advanced Professional Chef’s Diploma

I’ve always liked food, possibly because my dad was a chef in the Army. I used to work part time on a farm, and used to make marmalades and chutneys. That sparked my interest and led me to applying for hospitality at college.

When I was doing my NVQ Level 2, I’d been on placement at Queen Victoria Seaman’s Rest (QVSR) and a job came up there, which I ended up getting. It gave me a lot of experience; I was in charge of the kitchen and had to create meals out of whatever we had in the fridge. If anything went wrong in the kitchen, I’d have to deal with it. That’s when I realised that a career isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about loving the job you do.

I’m having a great time at college but I’m looking forward to getting out into the workplace and cooking a wider variety of food. I’m also looking forward to the pressure of working in the industry, of having to serve 100-150 covers in an hour and a half. After college, I’d quite like to work on a Disney cruise ship, or go abroad and work in Dubai. It’d be great to get work experience away from home. Disney cruise ships serve a wide variety of food, in fine dining restaurants and canteens. You’re also catering for a wide range of ages, with different dietary needs. It would be a good challenge.

In the future I’d like to set up my own restaurant – a gastro pub, with a great menu that I’d put together. We’d have tried-and-tested food, but it would be refined and presented with a fine dining twist, and we’d always use the best cuts of meat.
 

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