Ben Leonard is currently completing a Commis Chef apprenticeship at The Four Pears restaurant in Little Houghton, supported by Moulton College. His passion for cooking began while working part-time as a pot wash at Restaurant Ember in Wellingborough. Inspired by the dedication and creativity of the kitchen team, Ben was encouraged to learn more and was soon introduced to making dishes from scratch. That experience sparked his ambition to pursue a career in food and hospitality.
Now fully committed to his apprenticeship, Ben takes on a full working day that typically runs from 9am to 11pm, with a break between lunch and dinner services. He is responsible for his own section of the kitchen, handling tasks such as stock checks, placing orders, preparing for service, and maintaining hygiene standards. His role includes preparing for events, contributing to Saturday and Sunday menus, and learning new techniques when the pace allows.
One of the most valuable skills Ben has developed is knife work—mastering accuracy, speed, and safety—as well as gaining a strong understanding of kitchen operations, hierarchy, and the level of organisation needed to deliver high-quality dishes under pressure.
Ben particularly enjoys the balance of hands-on work with structured learning at Moulton College. The time at college gives him space to build his knowledge and confidence, supported by a dedicated chef tutor who communicates regularly with his employer to ensure his ongoing development.
Starting a new role just before the busy Christmas season was one of Ben’s biggest challenges. Adapting quickly, managing workload pressures, and staying focused on his studies required resilience. However, with the strong support of his employer and the college, he rose to the challenge.
Ben maintains a healthy work-life balance by taking two consistent days off each week and dedicating one day to his college studies. He sees his work team as an extension of his family, which makes his demanding schedule more enjoyable and rewarding.
Looking ahead, Ben aspires to one day run his own restaurant. Though he’s still shaping the vision, he’s confident that the experience, skills, and support he’s receiving through his apprenticeship are setting him on the right path toward achieving that goal.
I definitely would like my own restaurant, I am not sure what that would like like yet but know my apprenticeship will be a big part of the progression towards this goal.
