Boss David
We’re delighted to introduce…
…Managing Director David. He famously likes to tell the story that he built Four Gables in his bedroom. We prefer to think the entrepreneurial skills might have been born there but were developed in his extensive history of working in high end kitchens, before he decided to branch out on his own. He has always shown entrepreneurial endeavour, but Four Gables almost happened by accident after David offered a dining event as a charity prize. The client loved his work, David loved the experience and the rest as they say is history.
Background
Here is David in his own words…
I was 13 when I decided I wanted to be a chef. Food was important at home, with my mum being a food economics teacher and put simply I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Having got to know Paul Merrit, head chef of The Greenhouse in Mayfair, I was lucky enough to spend my school holidays at his wonderful Michelin starred restaurant. This is what confirmed that the life of a chef was for me.
Having completed my apprenticeship from Bournemouth Chef School, (working at One Lombard St in the city for 2 out of the 3 years of my course), I was off and at it. From there came time at various starred restaurants and in Courchevel in France to combine two loves… Skiing and food!
Cooking in a restaurant was great but it wasn’t quite enough. With hindsight I can see that I have an entrepreneurial gene that was itching to get out. I love the challenge of running a hospitality business and doing great things.
The Four Gables Award Winning Touch
From that auctioned dinner, David carried on catering on a part time basis for friends and family while working full time. Eventually, things came to a head (as they do) and David took the plunge to leave his job and pursue his dream full time. ‘Judge me by my results’ is an adage David lives by, even today. So while not an easy decision, he was determined to make it work. Today, a successful businessman with a slew of awards to his name. The business has gone on to win many awards including regional awards from the Wedding Industry Awards and David personally nominated in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Although David is less in the kitchen now (as he spends more time heading the business) he still does sneak in occasionally. He claims his favourite kitchen job is preparing wild mushrooms, a claim that draws a ‘look’ from head chef Dave.
Out of hours David loves spending time with wife Alice and their two children, Harry and Phoebe. He is also currently training for a half Ironman.
