The Burnt Chef Journal

This week, we welcome Chef Jon Watts. 

At 18, Jon found himself being sentenced to 6 ½ years in a young offenders institute. During his time in custody, with help, he changed his mindset and his mentality. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award he learnt to cook, and went on to become the first person in custody to achieve a Bronze, Silver and Gold award. Two weeks before his release he was awarded his Gold at the palace by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh himself.

In 2010, after gaining his professional cookery qualifications, Jon was employed by Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. It was here that his passion for food really started.

In 2015, Jon became self-employed and bought a food truck, ‘JON’S STREAT Food’ which was parked up in St Albans city centre and serving delicious street food. As time went by he had a lot of amazing opportunities from cooking for celebrities to being involved in national advertising campaigns.

When Covid hit, Jon began posting recipes online and gained a large social following. This opened up brand opportunities, and now the launch of his second cook book!

Thank you so much for Jon for not only recording this episode once, but twice. 

Learn more about Jon, his journey, and his cookbooks here.

A hospitality highlights episode discussing maximising human potential, and why it is important in today's world.

Our guests alongside hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are:

This episode was recorded live on LinkedIn on 19th July 2024.

We have put a slight spin on this week's episode, as Kris Hall, the founder of The Burnt Chef Project, becomes the interviewee during an insightful interview on DubaiEye 103.8.

Kris discusses his mission to tackle mental health issues within the hospitality industry, as well as the challenges faced by chefs and hospitality workers, the project's impact, and his vision for a healthier work environment in one of the most demanding industries.

Listen in to learn more about our important initiative and how we are changing the conversation around mental health in hospitality.

The Burnt Chef Journal is proudly sponsored by Planday.

Joining our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen on this episode of Hospitality Highlights we have:

⭐ Libby Paynton - Marketing & Sustainability Manager of United Fresh

⭐ James Burton - Senior Sous of Pig and Butcher in Islington.

We will be diving into an insightful discussion on The Burnt Chef Project's mission, services, and impact on the hospitality industry.

🗣️ Our guests will share personal experiences, highlighting how being part of The Burnt Chef Project has benefited both James and Libby in their personal lives and careers.

🗣️ We’ll explore the services offered by The Burnt Chef Project that James has utilized, why he needed them, and his prior knowledge of the project.

🗣️ As an ambassador, Libby will share how she discovered The Burnt Chef Project, what motivated her to become an ambassador, and what the role entails.

🗣️ Kris Hall will discuss the creation of the ambassador scheme, its growth, and its current size compared to the initial vision five years ago.

This week we're delving into the remarkable journey of Adam Simmonds, a renowned chef who has weathered the storms of addiction, burnout, and personal challenges. Through raw and open conversation, Adam shares his experiences of hitting rock bottom, finding clarity in international adventures, and ultimately, reclaiming his passion and purpose in the hospitality industry.

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨

In this episode, our host and The Burnt Chef Project founder, Kris Hall, sits down with Chef Ayesha Kalaji, a classically French-trained chef specialising in modern Middle Eastern cuisine.

Find out more about Ayesha here.

Having started her journey working at the one Michelin star ‘Adams’ Restaurant in Birmingham. Louisa then made the career-defining decision to apply for MasterChef - The Professionals in 2017, making it to the finals! Three years later in 2020, she was invited back to compete once again in MasterChef – The Rematch! This time taking home the trophy, with Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing hailing her main course as ‘the dish of the day’.

The achievements and accolades kept on coming and in 2022 she also took home the highly coveted title of ‘Chef of the Year’ for the Midlands!

In January this year, Louisa made an appearance on Great British Menu where she made it through to the judge's chamber. This is an achievement Louisa has always dreamt about doing as a chef as she has looked up to the chefs on the competition show for most of her career.

Riding high on these successes, Louisa leapt into the extraordinary world of private fine dining.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, Louisa is a huge supporter of charity fundraising. She has just competed in her first-ever charity boxing match in March and has raised just under £4000 for Macmillan Cancer support in honour of the loss of her close friend Ally. Louisa’s goal is to keep inspiring the next generation and she plans to do that by creating a springboard for younger chefs.

Our second guest, Daniel Bennett is the General Manager at Heft Inn + Restaurant, and won Young Chef Young Waiter of the Year - 3rd Place Waiter UK 2022.

Daniel previously held roles at; KOL, St.JOHN, Carters of Moseley, Simpson’s and The Forest Side.

Hospitality and Natural Wine Enthusiast, and recognised in the third edition of the Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine 30 Under 30 list which was announced last month and an Acorn Award Winner 2024.

Recorded live on 14th June 2024.

In this episode, Alan Tompkins, The Burnt Chef Project's first ambassador down under, and now currently Chief Ambassador for Melbourne Australia, sits down with founder Kris Hall to discuss his path from a challenging kitchen career to becoming a key advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry.

Alan opens up about his own struggles with mental health and PTSD, the reasons behind his career shift, and how The Burnt Chef Project has enabled him to remain connected to the community he loves.

This episode offers a personal look into the experiences that fuel Alan's passion for supporting others in the industry.

Thank you Alan for your taking the time to record this episode, and we look forward to hosting you on your visit to the UK in 2025!