Image of Tom Stewart

Spotlight on our head chef

Jesus College's head chef, Tom Stewart, is the subject of the latest 'This Cambridge Life' series focusing on the people who make the University of Cambridge unique.

In the article, Tom talks of being appointed head chef at Jesus two years ago, bringing extensive experience from working at hotels and restaurants in and around Cambridge. "Working for a College is quite different but standards are just as high." says Tom: "Jesus College is an excellent employer. One of my chefs has been in his job for 29 years — a phenomenal record in an industry known for a rapid turnover of staff."

From catering for up to 900 people in a single day, Tom and his team take everything in their stride: "We believe in freshly prepared food using the best ingredients. Wherever possible we use local suppliers — for meat, fish and vegetables, for example. We strive to produce the same high standard of ingredients and preparation for students eating day to day as for grand dinners attended by VIPs. It’s my role to make sure everything is as good as it can be.

"Students want to know where their food comes from and how it’s been produced. They are absolutely right: it matters what we eat. Food miles, animal welfare and food waste are of increasing concern. All our waste goes to a local facility that recycles it into compost."

Read the full article on the This Cambridge Life Medium page.