Hi, I’m Gary

My name is Gary Payne and I have been a chef for over 40 years.

I actually became a chef by pure accident. I joined the British Army as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery and at the age of 16 I was told to cook for 40 soldiers providing 3 meals a day out in the field. All because it was known that I had worked in a cafe during weekends and school holidays!

At age 17 I transferred to the Army Catering Corps where my journey truly began and I became completely engrossed in the catering industry and by the age of just 22 I was working as a Head Chef.

I have worked for the Ministry of Defence travelling to military bases around the country. I had the honour of cooking for HRH King Charles (at that time the Prince of Wales) in Shropshire.

I have worked in many different catering environments and have worked as a Food Health & Hygiene tutor and examiner alongside my chef role.

For the last 26 years I was employed by Leicester City Football Club as Executive chef based at their training ground. I was responsible for feeding the first team players and the Under 21 & Academy players plus all the support staff. I travelled throughout the UK providing catering on the Team coach and checking the food provided at hotels and stadiums at away games was up to standard. I also accompanied the team on European games and on trips to Asia and Europe.