Leven Hampson

Opening in April 2023 Fish Shop is a seafood restaurant and fishmongers, Right in the heart of Scotland. So far we had been nominated for best restaurant outside of London (food and travel) and voted 43rd best restaurant in the UK (SquareMeal). towards the end of 2023 we had been featured on the michelin guide.

From helping open the restaurant I came in as Chef de Partie.

With many challenges on the way I have learned different techniques from filleting all kinds of fish to cooking techniques., such as;

• BBQ Cooking
• Cooking whole fish
• serving customers in the fishmongers.
• Prepping and serving oysters
• Handling of fish.

During my time here I was able to work and operate a fishmongers. This would include setting up the fish display with our daily fresh fish and serving customers face to face.

My favourite dish to make here would have been the Lobster tagliolini, from making our homemade fresh pasta to our own lobster stock.

While working at the fish shop I was nominated for the MacRobert Trust emerging talent award.

I started my Career at the Fife Arms doing the (SVQ level 5) hospitality Apprenticeship program. This included working in the four main department as listed;

• Food & Beverage
• Kitchen
• Housekeeping
• Reception

I worked 5-6 months in each department, undergoing Two exams per department. We had to get 100% in all exams to get a pass.

In April 2022 after finishing the program I started my career as a commis chef working both in the restaurant and pub. My main responsibilities during this time was working on the fryer section (larder) and prepping food for the restaurant. By September my responsibility grew larger and work became more fun. This is when I got my promotion to Chef De Partie.

I found myself learning lots of skill such as working on the fire pit, cooking Game meats like venison and partridge.

Working at the Wetherspoons pub my main responsability was to;

• Set up bar area daily with clean furniture, supplies and beverage stock for typical bar demands.
• Delivered excellent customer experiences by maintaining consistent, attentive and timely customer service.
• Served alcohol according to bar protocols, checking IDs and refusing to serve inebriated customers.
• When working over Busy days I could be serving up to hundreds of customers a day

When I was 17 I joined the Military and undertook the intensive basic training this included,

• Learning to work as a team
• Weapon system Handling training
• learned helpful life skills like ironing, keeping yourself clean and tidy and how to keep fit.