Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic
Darren John Holloway

Darren John Holloway

Walsall, West Midlands,United Kingdom

Summary

Dynamic and innovative culinary professional with robust communication skills, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to teamwork.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Freelance Chef

Freelance
01.2019 - 09.2025
  • Working throughout the hospitality industry, as either a Chef de Parte/Sous Chef/Head Chef or Pastry Chef.
  • Effectively managed a large kitchen staff.
  • Brought forth creativity and innovative food ideas.
  • Contributed to the earning of fine dining awards.
  • Remained up to date on food trends and the best seasonal fare.
  • Designed unique menus using seasonal products.
  • Managed allergies with care and professionalism for customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Updated staff on menu changes and items.

Head Chef

Browns@Quay
Worcester
02.2016 - 01.2019
  • Daily running of a busy fine dine restaurant with 12 room boutique hotel within Worcester.
  • Worked to ensure a positive and hassle-free customer experience.
  • Settled any customer disputes in a professional and pleasant manner.
  • Identified and maximized sales opportunities, and increased customer retention rates.
  • Worked to ensure a neat and attractive sales environment, and assisted in the setup of visual displays.
  • Brought forth excellent customer service skills and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Handled food with sanitation and safety in mind.
  • Helped to increase customer return rates by providing excellent customer service at all times.
  • Worked to achieve high customer satisfaction rates by providing optimal customer service and creative tattoo work.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of all retail promotions.
  • Effectively managed a large kitchen staff.
  • Brought forth creativity and innovative food ideas.
  • Sourced food locally when possible.
  • Managed allergies with care and professionalism for customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Remained up to date on food trends and the best seasonal fare.
  • Designed unique menus using seasonal products.

Freelance

Self Employed
12.2015 - 12.2016

Head Chef

Woodlands Manor Hotel
Bedfordshire
11.2012 - 12.2015
  • Daily running of 100 room 3AA rosette hotel and restaurant.
  • Managed allergies with care and professionalism for customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Brought forth creativity and innovative food ideas.
  • Sourced food locally when possible.
  • Developed attractive and popular wine lists and menus.
  • Sourced elite food products, creating a better dining experience.
  • Contributed to the earning of fine dining awards.
  • Remained up to date on food trends and the best seasonal fare.
  • Designed unique menus using seasonal products.
  • Updated staff on menu changes and items.
  • Worked to ensure a positive and hassle-free customer experience.
  • Handled food with sanitation and safety in mind.

Head Chef

Palmer Arms
Dorney Village, Berkshire
11.2009 - 11.2011
  • Designed unique menus using seasonal products.
  • Sourced elite food products, creating a better dining experience.
  • Remained up to date on food trends and the best seasonal fare.
  • Sourced food locally when possible.
  • Brought forth creativity and innovative food ideas.
  • Effectively managed a large kitchen staff.
  • Managed allergies with care and professionalism for customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Contributed to the earning of fine dining awards.
  • Updated staff on menu changes and items.

Education

High School -

Cowley High School
St Helens, Merseyside
01.1981 - 10.1986

706/1 & 2 basic pastry - undefined

Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Art
11.1986 - 12.1988

Skills

  • Communication Skills
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Creativity
  • Leadership
  • Culinary Techniques
  • Ability to Work in a Team
  • Quality Assurance
  • Knowledge of Food Chemistry
  • Excellent Customer Service Skills
  • Food Safety and Sanitation Practices

References

References available upon request

Hobbies and Interests

General keep fit, walking, and spending time with my family.

Timeline

Freelance Chef

Freelance
01.2019 - 09.2025

Head Chef

Browns@Quay
02.2016 - 01.2019

Freelance

Self Employed
12.2015 - 12.2016

Head Chef

Woodlands Manor Hotel
11.2012 - 12.2015

Head Chef

Palmer Arms
11.2009 - 11.2011

706/1 & 2 basic pastry - undefined

Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Art
11.1986 - 12.1988

High School -

Cowley High School
01.1981 - 10.1986
Darren John Holloway