Exploring a New Life | Chef Gaz Oakley

Early Passion

Chef Gaz Oakley discovered his passion for cooking at a young age, choosing catering as a subject during his GCSEs. His early experiences included participating in "Britain's Best Dish" and gaining invaluable work experience at a local hotel restaurant, which solidified his desire to become a professional chef 1. Gaz recalls the thrill of working in high-pressure environments, such as the renowned restaurant Le Galois, where he honed his skills in French fine dining 2.

I remember plating up my food on the hot plate one day and the chef whispering in my ear, winding me up, saying, gat, that's avant garde. That's avant garde.

--- Gaz Oakley

These formative experiences laid the foundation for his culinary journey, inspiring him to pursue excellence in the kitchen.

   

Career Shift

Gaz's career took a pivotal turn when he decided to step away from the demanding world of professional kitchens due to burnout. He transitioned to a nine-to-five job, which allowed him to recuperate and eventually led to a role as a sales rep, traveling across the UK 3. Despite this shift, his passion for cooking remained, and he knew he would return to the culinary industry.

I try and turn everything I do into a positive and try and make it my own.

--- Gaz Oakley

This period of change was crucial for Gaz, as it provided him with the opportunity to reflect on his career path and ultimately reignite his love for cooking 4.