Ben Sewell

I joined BaxterStorey as a chef de partie back in 2015 , working alongside the head chef, where I was eager to learn as much as I could, as quickly as I could. I loved receiving all the positive feedback from the customers about their food – it gave me a real boost!

After 8 months, I moved to a site in Bracknell – this was the site that made me want to get out of bed each morning and go to work; the food the team produced was amazing and the team morale was brilliant. I owe a lot to them for pushing me and teaching me every day.

I then moved to a flagship site in Reading, which is when I started to believe in myself a more, and was soon promoted to junior sous chef within a year (I was buzzing!) I loved running the hospitality section and was lucky enough to cook for several famous faces, including the Prime Minister at the time!

I was promoted to sous chef at another flagship location in 2019, working alongside a great team of chefs. We had a lot of fun, hosting BBQs, Christmas markets, street food pop ups and I transformed the bakery, which is where I found my passion for baking.

My proudest moment of my career was when I was promoted to head chef at another flagship site at the start of 2020 (after years of hard work and determination I was thrilled to finally get there!) It was nerve-wracking being a head chef at 26, however I soon learnt earning the respect of the team and having self-belief helps drive you to be the best version of yourself. I knew it was where I wanted to be.

After some time off during the Pandemic, I returned to BaxterStorey as a chef manager in Pirbright and it was the best decision I made. It’s taught me so much about the business and I’ve got a great relationship with my client. I truly love my job and the team!

I’m grateful to BaxterStorey for believing in me as a young CDP and giving me the pathway to achieve my goals, although I’m still young and only just getting started, so watch this space!