Some of my initial thoughts for a vocation had been to become an actor and then a barrister and in the end I found myself going to Surrey University to study Hotel and Catering. Since then I have worked in a variety of high end, high volume establishments covering experience in restaurants, conference and banqueting, business in industry and outdoor catering. I suppose one of my proudest and most nerve racking moments was when I opened “Dibbens” restaurant in Smithfield Market. For six years I ran the business and “Dibbens” developed a great following from the local City boys as well as the wine trade and those caterers who were in the area.

 It is a strange thing that I have always had a woman as my boss, whether it be Elizabeth Windsor, Prue Leith, Alison Frith or Robyn Jones. Well for the first time when I start my new job as General Manager of the Barbican for Searcys, that tradition will change.

 

As my career developed I became very passionate about working with younger members of the team in developing their skills and helping them to climb the ladder of our wonderful Industry. More recently I have become a trustee of the Charity, New Horizon Youth Centre, which supports homeless young people between 16 to 21 who are homeless.

My other passions are champagne, having been a past Chair of the Champaign Academy and the Seneschal of the Ordre de Coteaux de Champagne, and escaping to my apartment in Bassano del Grappa in Veneto Italy.