Ella Palmer
Bristol
Summary
Culinary professional with more than six years of hospitality experience, currently working as a Chef de Partie at Dongnae in Bristol - ranked 12th in the National Restaurant Awards (2026). Experienced in high-standard restaurants and catering, team leadership, operational compliance and the development of practical solutions to improve product storage, quality management and commercial sales, including our in-house kimchi, doenjang and gochujang. Alongside my culinary career, I have a strong academic background in public health and medical anthropology, with research interests in food insecurity, inequality and the wider social determinants of health. I'm passionate about food innovation and product development, and aspire to combine my technical culinary expertise and public health knowledge to contribute to the development of high-quality, accessible and socially responsible food products.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef de Partie
Dongnae
Bristol
08.2025 - Current
- Practised traditional Korean cooking and preservation techniques in a professional kitchen, specialising in doenjang and gochujang production.
- Developed food safety and hygiene guidelines for kimchi, ensuring compliance with standards for both online and physical sales.
- Dongnae is currently the 12th best restaurant in the UK (National Restaurant Awards 2026)
Chef de Partie
The Hero, Public House Group
West London
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Chef de Partie at a Michelin Bib Gourmand fine dining restaurant and pub in central London
- Developed dishes and recipes using seasonal produce from our dedicated farmers, which were used and replicated across multiple sites within the restaurant group
- Received specific praise for my dishes from Jay Rayner and Nigella Lawson in their reviews during my tenure in the kitchen
- Managed ordering, invoicing, and stocktaking processes while leading junior commis and demi chefs
Manager
Harajuku Kitchen
Edinburgh
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Manager at a 2 AA Rosette Japanese restaurant in Edinburgh
- Managed inventory processes to maintain optimal stock levels and minimise waste
- Created innovative cocktails, wine and sake pairings to complement theseasonal sushi menu
Waitress/Bartender
The Edinburgh Catering Company
Edinburgh
06.2023 - 01.2024
- Collaborated with team to provide efficient and organised service for large-scale events of 100 guests or more
- Kept dining area tidy, clearing tables and resetting them for new guests in a timely manner.
- Delivered meals and beverages promptly, ensuring orders were correct and met customer satisfaction.
- Delivered friendly and fast service to process high-volume food and drink orders at peak times.
Communications Officer
TIRAH Education
London
12.2019 - 01.2024
- Created and led events for racial equality and widening participation education programme, fostering community engagement.
- Curated and facilitated online and in-person workshops for 200 participants aged 12 to 25, enhancing educational outreach.
- Maintained collaborative relationships with clients, including large corporations and educational institutions, to support programme objectives.
Waitress/Bar Staff
Oklava
Shoreditch
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered dedicated and personalised service in a fast-paced Aegean fine dining restaurant in central London
- Developed skills in natural wine pairing and knowledge of traditional Anatolian winemaking
Waitress
Tattu
Edinburgh
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Provided tailored service to VIP clients, enhancing their dining experience.
- Cross-trained in food expo and managed the pass to facilitate swift, safe service in a complex, allergen-sensitive environment.
Waitress/Front of House
Megan's Restaurants
London
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Served customers in a high-volume restaurant in central London during summer, ensuring timely and efficient service
- Acquired barista skills through practical training in a dynamic café environment, enhancing customer experience
Education
Master of Science - Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health
University of Bristol
Bristol01-2028
Intergrated MA - Sociology and Social Anthropology
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh05-2024
Advanced Levels -
Harris Westminster Sixth Form
London07-2020
GCSE's -
Walthamstow School For Girls
London07-2018
Skills
- Advanced culinary techniques
- Food safety management
- Menu development
- Restaurant operations
- Hospitality management
- Team leadership
- Customer relations
- Organisational Skills
Certification
- Health & Safety (Level 2)
- Food Safety and Hygiene (Level 2)
- Food Allergens, July 2021 - Present, CPD and Institute of Hospitality certified
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Danish
Elementary
A2
Interests
- Grade 7: Classical Piano
- Grade 8: Classical Singing
Timeline
Chef de Partie
Dongnae
08.2025 - Current
Chef de Partie
The Hero, Public House Group
06.2024 - 08.2025
Manager
Harajuku Kitchen
01.2024 - 06.2024
Waitress/Bartender
The Edinburgh Catering Company
06.2023 - 01.2024
Waitress/Bar Staff
Oklava
05.2022 - 01.2023
Waitress
Tattu
09.2021 - 02.2022
Waitress/Front of House
Megan's Restaurants
05.2021 - 09.2021
Communications Officer
TIRAH Education
12.2019 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health
University of Bristol
Intergrated MA - Sociology and Social Anthropology
University of Edinburgh
Advanced Levels -
Harris Westminster Sixth Form
GCSE's -
Walthamstow School For Girls