New Head Chef Jeff Nenonen has taken the helm at the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare and will be serving up smiles across the attraction’s food and beverage outlets.
Jeff will be responsible for the catering across the Pier’s Boardwalk Café, Captain Jack’s Bar and Tiffany’s Tea Room & Restaurant as well as the venue’s conference and event banqueting offering.
With 24 years’ experience in catering, Jeff takes on the role following the departure of Tracey Conquer, who held the position for 10 years and has now relocated to Torquay.
Gaining his culinary stripes at venues across the South West, Jeff says his passion for food will ensure visitors to the Grand Pier will not be disappointed.
Jeff said: “My passion for food really began in school when my teachers noticed I had a talent for cooking. On occasion I was even called out of class to help with catering for school events!
“When I left school the catering industry seemed to be the best course for me so I enrolled at Somerset College of Arts & Technology (SCAT) to gain my qualifications.
“I qualified as a chef at the age of 18 and worked full time as a chef at Burnham-on-Sea Swimming Pool, working my way up to head chef at the Sedgemoor Splash in Bridgwater at age 21 and overseeing the food offering across the whole of Sedgemoor Leisure.
“From there I had stints as a franchisee at a local holiday camp, as a chef at gastro pubs in Weston-super-Mare and as head chef for two hotels on the Weston seafront.
“I then held the head chef position at the Oaktree Arena (Home of Somerset Speedway) for 10 years. The private hire venue in Highbridge, caters for all kinds of events from weddings to music festivals and really set me up for this role at the Grand Pier.
“The Grand Pier is an amazing landmark and I’m honoured to be working here amongst a team of fantastic leisure and hospitality professionals.
“It’s great to be able to express my passion and bring new ideas to the differing food outlets at the Pier, which all cater for different customers and offer a variety of top-quality snacks and meals.
“I’m looking forward to producing some great gastronomy for our customers and hopefully really adding to their special day out.”
Food and drinks on the Grand Pier range from traditional seaside favourites including Fish and Chips at the Boardwalk Café, bar snacks at Captain Jack’s Bar and exquisite Afternoon Teas and light lunches at Tiffany’s, complete with panoramic views of the sea and the beachfront.
Michelle Michael, co-owner of the Grand Pier, said: “We’re very sad to see our departing head chef Tracey leave us for Torquay. She has been an integral member of the team here for 10 years and produced thousands of wonderful meals for our customers.
“We are, however, delighted to have Jeff join us. His extensive knowledge of catering for leisure venues paired with his clear passion for creating memorable dishes for customers will be a great advantage for anyone visiting the Pier for a day out, event or conference.
“Our offering here is widely varied, from hosting weddings and special occasions to welcoming families looking for a portion of fish and chips and an afternoon of fun. I’m sure Jeff will do a great job of meeting our customers’ needs.”
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