I am Food Punks founder, David Hodson and I have worked in Catering and Hospitality for most of my working life.
The first restaurant I ever worked in was an Italian restaurant back in my home town of Peterborough and ever since then I have developed a love of Italian and Mediterranean food. The ethos of simple preparation allows high quality, seasonal produce to be the star of the show. Throughout my career I have worked in England, Ireland, France and Scotland, including senior kitchen roles at Centotre, Cardrona Hotel, The Courthouse and Boulevard Café among many others.
Over the years I have been fortunate to work alongside and learn from a wide array of talented chefs and as time went on, I found myself increasingly focused on nurturing and developing talent within my kitchens.
In common with many young people I had turbulent teenage years that saw me leaving school without qualifications and at risk of getting into trouble and drifting. In many ways, the kitchen was my salvation and the combination of discipline, learning new skills and having money in my pocket helped me to turn my life around.
I remained committed to giving opportunities to other young people in similar situations to mine and leapt at the chance to start working for Tweeddale Youth Action back in 2011. Since then, I have become the Project Manager of the youth club and have also been able to indulge my passion for cookery with regular cookery sessions at the youth club.
Our cookery sessions have grown a bit since those early days and for the past few years I have been leading and growing TYA’s Food Punks project, delivering outside and event catering and cookery demonstrations across the South of Scotland.
I’m thrilled to be able to offer opportunities to young people at a critical time when they are often at a crossroads in their lives and Food Punks reputation for good food continues to grow and grow.
I’m incredibly proud of what our Food Punks brigade have achieved and, while the social outcomes of our project are hugely worthwhile, it is important that Food Punks are judged on the food and service we deliver.
Over the past few years Food Punks have continued to grow and it gives me huge pleasure to hand over the cookery baton to local chef, Stuart Clink. Stuart is a chef of considerable talent and shares our values of supporting and growing the next generation of cooks and chefs. Food Punks is in very safe hands and I am excited to see how it grows and develops
I’m incredibly proud of what our Food Punks brigade have achieved and, while the social outcomes of our project are hugely worthwhile, it is important that Food Punks are judged on the food and service we deliver. Yes, some of the team have pink hair and bits of metal in their face but most importantly, they are focused on excellence. As someone once told me, excellence is actually very simple, it’s just lots of little steps done correctly. That’s what I and Food Punks are all about!
I am Food Punks head chef, Stuart Clink and I can cook.
The opportunity to get involved with the Food Punks was an easy decision for me. We use simple effective techniques to help build confidence and ability allowing the opportunity to develop and learn new skills independently.
My approach to cooking has been shaped by my experiences in Sweden, France, Greece, New Zealand & Fiji. From cooking for the King and Queen of Sweden to teaching the locals in Fiji from a ‘tin hut’ kitchen, I take pride in producing good, honest food.
It is a privilege to live in an area surrounded by an abundance of quality produce and my relationships with local farmers and suppliers is integral to my cooking.
Drawing on my previous experience of running and working in different establishments and explaining the importance of cohesion and teamwork to gain mutual respect and success.
Sharing what is possible with a bit of application, how I have believed that anything is possible, even though it sometimes doesn’t feel like it, being responsible for myself without any help or guidance and having an amazing experience.
My development plan for the Food Punks will include strengthening our relationship with suppliers, developing the Food Punks brand, increasing our visibility and online presence, building on our reputation for excellence and meaningful teaching and training to further grow and develop our team.