Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Charles Dackombe

Bunbury

Summary

Talented Head Chef with proven knowledge of food preparation and restaurant management, including multi-site management. Solid understanding of managing personnel activity within the hospitality industry.

Exceptional communication skills with a hands-on approach to mentoring and training junior members of the team. Creative with menu design, consistently producing high quality food using seasonal, fresh ingredients while maintaining price points.

Reflecting and collaborating with the kitchen team to support continuous improvement and staff development.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef De Partie

Market Eating House
02.2025 - Current

Working as part of a team cooking middle eastern cuisine to a high standard.

I currently manage the grill section, including wood fired oven, charcoal grill and plating / sending.

I ensure that the customers dining experience consistent and of the highest quality.

Within my role, I also support in our event space and prepare and cater private functions.

Head chef

The University of Surrey
09.2021 - 01.2025
  • Multi-site management
  • Leading new site opening
  • Guiding junior chefs to improve cooking techniques
  • Designing bespoke menus for corporate and public events
  • Increased cost efficiency while sourcing high-quality ingredients and fresh produce
  • Team management, organising rotas, issued disciplinary actions and conducted performance reviews
  • Leading by example and ensuring targets for staff safety, kitchen sanitation and proper food handling and storage are met.
  • Established high standards for high-volume food service at corporate functions, catering to 500+ covers

Sous Chef

Sorrel Restaurant, One Michelin-Star
09.2020 - 09.2021
  • Enhanced and refined modern British cuisine to deliver exceptional dining experiences
  • Successfully ran pastry line and managed the larder as Sous Chef
  • Overseeing Commis' and Demi's across all kitchen sections
  • Gained experience delivering meat and fish butchery, preparing ingredients with precision and respect.
  • Working closely with the head chef to support efficient management of a Michelin star establishment.
  • Mentored junior team members to consistently deliver high-quality food
  • Attended management meetings to stay informed and to provide feedback and ideas to maintain high standards
  • Managed stock take and rotation to maintain produce freshness and cost efficiency
  • Upheld impeccable cleanliness following strict schedules
  • COSHH, HACCP, food hygiene and allergen trained.

Sous Chef

Adam Reid at The French
04.2017 - 08.2020
  • Key role in evolving restaurant under Adam Reid's leadership at 'The French'
  • Developed cookery expertise and leadership abilities through progression from Demi Chef to Sous Chef within 3 years.
  • Directed all kitchen sections, providing essential support to senior culinary staff
  • Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.

Chef De Partie

The Swan Brasserie
01.2012 - 01.2017
  • Promoted to Chef de Partie, following Level 3 Apprenticeship completion at the Swan and proving myself as vital team member.
  • Developing classic cooking techniques to high standards and gaining knowledge of local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Managed food usage by First-In, First-Out (FIFO) rules, avoiding unnecessary waste.

Chef De Partie

Hotel Elisabeth
10.2015 - 04.2016
  • Winter season 2015-16 within a 70-cover hotel, preparing breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and a 5-Course dinner daily.

Education

Chef Apprentice Award and NVQ Level 3 - Catering

Westminster Kingsway College
07.2015

GCSE -

Sackville Independent School
07.2013

Skills

  • Passionate chef
  • COSHH, HACCP, Food Hygiene and Allergen Training
  • Resource management
  • Staff development and training
  • Seasonal specials planning
  • Inventory management
  • Performance assessments
  • Budgeting and costings
  • Kitchen management
  • Leadership
  • Menu planning and dish design
  • Technical cooking skills
  • Food and beverage pairings

References

  • Debbie Nottridge, Catering Manager, University of Surrey, d.nottridge@surrey.ac.uk
  • Colette Field, Licence trade manager, University of Surrey, c.field@surrey.ac.uk
  • Ashley Chapman, Head Chef, Sorrel Restaurant, 07792269401
  • Adam Reid, Executive Chef, Adam Reid at The French, 01612354780, info@the-french.co.uk

Timeline

Chef De Partie

Market Eating House
02.2025 - Current

Head chef

The University of Surrey
09.2021 - 01.2025

Sous Chef

Sorrel Restaurant, One Michelin-Star
09.2020 - 09.2021

Sous Chef

Adam Reid at The French
04.2017 - 08.2020

Chef De Partie

Hotel Elisabeth
10.2015 - 04.2016

Chef De Partie

The Swan Brasserie
01.2012 - 01.2017

GCSE -

Sackville Independent School

Chef Apprentice Award and NVQ Level 3 - Catering

Westminster Kingsway College
Charles Dackombe