A CHEF is set to tackle the Orient head on after securing a top job at one of Hong Kong’s coolest new restaurants.
Former Darlington College catering student Jack Lamming is planning to revamp the menu at Three Blind Mice, a 40-cover eatery in the trendy Wan Chai area of the province.
The ex-Wensleydale Rugby Club player will join in the latest venture of his brother Matthew, a professional forward with Hong Kong Cricket Club’s rugby team and member of the national side and his business partner Ed Rolston, a retired captain of Hong Kong.
Jack, of Spennithorne, near Leyburn, studied Level 2 and 3 professional cookery at Darlington College, full- and part-time courses respectively.
Starting as a pot-washer in his youth at the Wyvill Arms, Constable Burton and serving breakfasts at Tennants auctioneers cafe, he also worked at the much respected Sandpiper restaurant in Leyburn, which boasted a Roux Scholarship, and the celebrated Coach House at Middleton Lodge, near Scotch Corner, which has just been awarded three AA Rosettes.
In his time at college he was chosen to serve Prince Andrew on his visit to Darlington and he worked with luxury car maker Maserati, which staged the national launch of its Levanti SUV at Middleton Lodge.
His decision to move to Hong Kong continues a family tradition that dates back more than 30 years when his father Stephen worked in retail there and his uncle Ian was a journalist on Hong Kong newspapers.
Jack, 20, said: “I have been involved in catering since I was a child and college gave me a real insight into the industry and helped me develop my love of food.
“With their industry experience, the tutors were great and combining college studies with learning on the job was invaluable. College also helped me get to grips with maths, where I had struggled at school.
“I love the banter of the kitchen and have learnt a lot about health and safety, how to run a business, what to do and, more importantly, what not to do.”
An avid Middlesbrough fan and season ticket holder, Jack will have to forgo the pleasures of the Riverside for the bright lights of Hong Kong Island.
“I will miss the Boro but will always be a fan and will watch them on line if I can,” he said. “At least I will save money as I used to follow them all over the country.”
Matthew and Ed launched Three Blind Mice this year in Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant districts and have already enjoyed great reviews as a lunch and dinner venue.
Specialising in European cuisine, particularly pasta, it is already going down a storm with Chinese and ex-patriot diners.
Jack said: “Matt and Ed want me to completely redesign the menu, increase standards, look at costings and improve health and safety. I will also be helping with a variety of outside events they are involved in.
“I am really looking forward to running a kitchen, working in Asia with other nationalities and living abroad. It is incredible the opportunities and experiences catering can prompt. I really enjoyed learning my core skills at Darlington College and it is amazing what it can lead to.”