Celebrating our Chefs | Meet Charlie!

We wanted to take the opportunity to shine a light on our incredibly talented chefs. We sat down with Charlie - who, at just 17 years old, has already worked her way up to Chef de Partie at Riverside Kelham - to talk about her work, ambitions and the challenges faced by women in the catering industry…

Hi Charlie! How long have you worked at Riverside Kelham?

I've been here for about two years.

What made you want to get into catering?

I first knew I wanted to go into the industry when I was about nine. I used to bake every weekend with my Nan, and my passion just grew from there!

What’s your favourite thing about being a Chef de Partie?

Every day is different, I get to play with different flavours and ingredients, experience a buzzing kitchen environment and make friends along the way too.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

Getting into the industry and being promoted at such a young age – I’m really proud that I’ve achieved so much, and I’m just 17!

What are the key challenges women face in the catering industry?

It’s a very male-dominated industry. It can feel like women don’t get as much respect or opportunity as their male colleagues.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Working in a Michelin-star restaurant, or running one of my own, hopefully!

If you could cook dinner for one person, who would it be and what would you make?

My great Nan sadly passed away when I was 10. I’d love to have the opportunity to cook for her and show her how much I’ve learned since we lost her – I’d make her one of her favourites, stew and pancakes, and to see her enjoy it again would mean a lot.