Duncan Alexander Smailes
Yeovil,Somerset
Summary
Passionate about fresh food and always looking to increase my knowledge and skills in this field. Experienced chef for exclusive customers in France, having spent three ski seasons working in various kitchens. An ability to work in a busy and demanding work environment. Good people skills and keen to learn new skills. Able to work independently or as part of a team. Open and approachable manor, good communicator
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Chef de partie
The Queens Arms
Corton Denham, Somerset
01.2025 - 12.2026
Sous
Barometer
Meribel
11.2018 - 04.2019
- Returning to the alps for my fourth season. Working as sous. Managing all expects of the seasonal very busy alp restaurant. Taking this opportunity to continue my knowledge towards French/alpine cuisine and kitchen management.
Private chef
Kaluma Travel
Courchevel 1850, France
11.2017 - 04.2018
- During my first winter season working in a private chalet I handled all aspects of chalet kitchen work including menu planning, stock rotation and ordering, cleaning and day to day management of the hospitality for up to 14 executive guests. In this role, I gained valuable experience of managing a kitchen alone and catering for the tastes of the varied guest requirements.
Junior Sous chef
Lucky Beach
Brighton
05.2016 - 12.2016
- I was a Junior Sous chef in this popular seafront restaurant. Working alone and alongside the head chef and sous chef, creating daily specials and working with high volumes of locally sourced, ethical and sustainable food served in this award-winning restaurant.
Line Chef
Bills Restaurant
Brighton
09.2015 - 02.2016
- Working as a Line Chef across all sections of this varied menu, I gained valuable experience in a high demanding volume of orders and also brand consistency for such a big chain environment.
Chef de Parti
Riddle & Finns
Brighton
02.2015 - 07.2015
- Chef de Parti position in a busy seafood restaurant on Brighton seafront. Responsible for all fresh seafood preparation and running of the pass/main section. I was also responsible for maintaining the high standard of the cooking and presentation in a very demanding and high cover restaurant.
Sous Chef
Ocean Grill
St Ives, Cornwall
05.2014 - 11.2014
- Returning for a second summer, I worked as a Sous Chef covering all sections of day to day kitchen, running the kitchen in the head chef’s absence, and gaining experience of management of kitchen.
Junior Sous Chef
L’Apres
Sainte Foy Tarentaise
11.2013 - 04.2014
- Working as a Junior Sous Chef in this busy ski resort restaurant, I had full control of all kitchen duties including customer orders, stock control, and kitchen hygiene. This kitchen provided high quality Alpine themed menus.
Pizza Chef
Ocean Grill
St Ives, Cornwall
05.2013 - 10.2013
- Worked as Pizza Chef covering all aspects of kitchen preparation and service in this very busy seafront restaurant. Utilising the space available to maintain the high standards and high volume of orders received and maintaining high standards in this popular restaurant.
Chef de Parti
Hotel Le-Diva Isola 2000
Nice
12.2012 - 04.2013
- Chef de Parti position in Hotel restaurant located in the ski resort of Isola 2000. Here I spent the winter season working alongside 5 chefs to provide varied French day to day cuisine. Gained valuable experience of this continental cuisine.
Sous Chef
R’s Kitchen
Poole, Dorset
03.2012 - 12.2012
- Working as a Sous Chef in a busy waterside restaurant, creating a day to day menu utilizing all locally sourced produce. Adding valuable experience in menu design, costing and overall functioning of a kitchen.
Commis chef
Monkberry’s Restaurant
Bournemouth, Dorset
05.2009 - 01.2011
- Worked as a Commis chef gaining valuable experience in this popular restaurant, taking charge of starters and presented own specials. Worked alongside award winning chef whilst gaining NVQ Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality skills at Bournemouth College.
Education
NVQ Level 2 - Hospitality and Catering
Bournemouth College
DorsetReferences
- Russell, Elson, 07548955373, R’s Kitchen
- Duncan, Latimer, 07913606143, Lucky Beach, Further references are available upon request
Timeline
Chef de partie
The Queens Arms
01.2025 - 12.2026
Sous
Barometer
11.2018 - 04.2019
Private chef
Kaluma Travel
11.2017 - 04.2018
Junior Sous chef
Lucky Beach
05.2016 - 12.2016
Line Chef
Bills Restaurant
09.2015 - 02.2016
Chef de Parti
Riddle & Finns
02.2015 - 07.2015
Sous Chef
Ocean Grill
05.2014 - 11.2014
Junior Sous Chef
L’Apres
11.2013 - 04.2014
Pizza Chef
Ocean Grill
05.2013 - 10.2013
Chef de Parti
Hotel Le-Diva Isola 2000
12.2012 - 04.2013
Sous Chef
R’s Kitchen
03.2012 - 12.2012
Commis chef
Monkberry’s Restaurant
05.2009 - 01.2011
NVQ Level 2 - Hospitality and Catering
Bournemouth College