MEET THE CHEFS
AMOS BURROWS The Mark Cross Inn Mark Cross, East Sussex With more than 20 years in the industry, I’ve enjoyed a long career in rosette awarded establishments. I took a commis position at Ashdown Park Country House Hotel in East Grinstead, where I stayed for seven years, working my way up to hold the position of sous chef, before moving on to take my first head chef role at Caley Hall in Norfolk. In May 2015 I took the head chef job at The Mark Cross, vastly improving the food offering and bringing stability and consistency back to the kitchen. DARREN COLLINS The Cricketers Inn Meopham, Kent I began my career at the age of 15 when I started as a kitchen porter in a Sevenoaks hotel. After a year, I got moved into the main kitchen and was put on a trainee chef course, getting paid £60 a week! It opened my eyes to food, flavours and seasons – everything that makes a chef what he is. Following this, I worked in all manner of places before meeting James Palmer Rosser. W&H seemed like it would be a good fit for me, and the rest, as they say, is history… JONATHAN GAIN The Kings Head Bessels Green, Kent I started my career at The Greyhound in Wadhurst, East Sussex, where I learned a lot of the skills I have today. I joined Whiting & Hammond at The Little Brown Jug as a chef de partie seven years ago, before becoming sous chef at The Cricketers Inn. After being there for a couple of years, I transferred back to where it all began at The Jug and continued working alongside some great people. W&H then gave me the great opportunity of opening up The Kings Head with them as head chef. COLIN GILBERT Development Chef Whiting & Hammond Group I have worked at a variety of high-class hotels and restaurants of up to three-star Michelin standards, gaining two rosettes on numerous occasions. With experience that spans over 30 years, I’m dedicated and passionate about my profession. I’ve worked for Whiting & Hammond since 2006 in various positions, from head chef to manager, and am now the development chef for the whole group. I’m not all about work – my outside interests are my family, seafood, fishing, gardening, golf, walking and travel.
To find out more about each of our pubs, visit www.whitingandhammond.co.uk. Alternatively, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whitingandhammond or follow us on Twitter @Whiting_Hammond
AUTUMN 2015
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