Aaron Craig of North Yorkshire said he was “chuffed to bits” when he realised he’d gained the chance to work with Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal for a month.
But despite his employer – Seasons restaurant in Richmond, North Yorkshire – continuing to pay him his wages for the month he is away, the 30-year-old Head Chef’s dreams of learning some molecular gastronomy first hand may be dashed if he can’t find someone to fund his accommodation.
“My boss is prepared to pay my wages for the month, which helps, but because I’m going to be away from home, I need to find accommodation, and although I don’t need to stay anywhere plush, the costs for that amount of time add up,” he said.
“I’m hoping that someone will see this as a great opportunity to sponsor me, and I’d be open to suggestions as to how they benefit.”
Craig began working as a chef eight years ago following a stint in the army and has ambitions to one day open his own restaurant. He said he was hoping to gain new skills by working with Blumenthal`s team at the restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, to take back to his own kitchen in North Yorkshire.
He said: “After I left the army I went back to college and re-trained as a chef. I’ve had some good jobs, but I’ve never had the chance to train under a great chef, so this is the opportunity of a lifetime for me.
“I’ve heard that there are hundreds of people who apply for placements at the Fat Duck every year, so I was amazed when I got given the chance."
He added: “Some of what Heston does is a bit wacky, but I really admire the standard and the passion that comes out of his restaurant. At my current restaurant, I’ve worked my way up to rosette standard and now I need this chance to take me even further."
Aaron Craig is looking for sponsorship of about £400 to help fund accommodation during his stage. If you, or your company can sponsor him, email news@bighospitality.co.uk or call 01293 610267.