Top job is a dream come true for Staffordshire chef

A young chef from Staffordshire is to start work at one of the country's top restaurants next month. Joshua Stoddard, aged 20, will begin his dream job as first commis chef at world-renowned La Gavroche in Mayfair on September 1.

He will be working under the guidance of master chef Michel Roux Junior who took over the restaurant from his father in the 1990s.

Joshua, of Hall Lane, Hammerwich, heard in April that he had won the job at Le Gavroche, and he's delighted at his big break.

He has been studying for NVQs in professional cookery at the University College of Birmingham since leaving Chase Terrace Technology College.

"I sent my CV to Michel Roux and just kept ringing until they gave me my break," explained Joshua.

"It really is my dream job. I didn't think I would get it. I will be cooking in the Premier League," he added.

The restaurant has two Michelin stars and chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing have gone through its kitchens.

Joshua started gaining his experience in local restaurants including The Trooper in Wall, where he started out as a pot washer while still at school.

He has also worked at The Dog in Whittington and the Shoulder of Mutton in Lichfield and has spent the last 18 months honing his cooking skills at The Nelson in Chorley as well as studying.

He finished at the Nelson on Friday and is new preparing for his move to London.

"I am really looking forward to it. I still have a lot to learn and I've yet to find my speciality dish," he said.

Joshua has ambitions to work on an ocean yacht as a private chef and eventually start up his own restaurant.

By John Corser