Three generations of same family cooking up a storm after choosing to study at Suffolk New College

Three generations of the same family have chosen to study at an educational establishment in Ipswich over a 50-year period.

Richard, Sci and Liv Daniels have all followed a passion for cooking by gaining the skills to progress at Suffolk New College.

Richard, 70, from Ipswich studied at Civic College in 1970. He originally worked at the White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh and this experience made him want to become a chef.

Now retired, Richard said: “I studied various qualifications over two years. They were great times. I thoroughly enjoyed it. After college, I worked at The White Hart in Wickham Market and went on to work at Ipswich Hospital where I gave Simon (Sci) his first job. Then I worked for an outside catering company before spending 17 years at Hollesley Bay prison. I also worked at Ipswich Town Football Club.

“I originally wanted to be a policeman – but I got the job at Aldeburgh and fell in love with the trade (of cooking). I came to the college and never looked back.

“One of the tutors at the time (Paul Barnes) supported me in a competition and I ended up winning a trophy that I picked up at Kings College in Cambridge. It was a highlight.

“I liked the tutors here and I have happy memories.

“I’m also proud of Sci and Liv and I think Liv will do well. Persevere, pioneer, try your best and hit the high notes is my advice to Liv and any young person coming into the industry.”

Sci, 45, from Woodbridge, works at The Crown (in Woodbridge). Prior to that he was a general manager and worked for Ipswich Town Football Club where the mantra at the time was ‘one club, one team, one dream’.

He then started his own business, did a degree, worked in London, he was on the Jamie Oliver show as an expert and starred in Masterchef: The Professionals in 2016 before coming home to Suffolk after spells in Cornwall and the South East.

Sci said: “My earliest memories are going to see my dad at work and smelling the pastry section and the romance of following in my father’s footsteps.

“I came here (to Suffolk New College) after school from 1995 to 1997. We studied a new NVQ. Coming here on the back of my dad (who had a great reputation) was scary. They were real working kitchens at the college. I fell in love with it.

“I had some of the same tutors as my dad. You had to work a week in the restaurant and a week in the kitchen. It was a good grounding. I remember the tutor Paul Barnes would have his back to you the whole service – but he would still know exactly what was going on.

“Now, Liv is also at The Crown, she works really hard, has built her own relationships and everyone thinks she is like a breath of fresh air. I’m, supporting her as much as she wants. I think she’ll go far. I can’t measure the level of pride that I have for her.”

Liv, 16, from Saxmundham is on a level two professional cookery course at Suffolk New College.

Liv said: “It’s been going well and it feels like I have been here so much longer (than a few weeks). I’m just enjoying it and I’ve learnt a lot. I grew up with the industry and I just love it. I used to go to work with my dad growing up. It’s great to be part of this family dynasty.”

“Long term, I want to do well here, travel and eventually have my own restaurant.”