This year, Darren Lomas started at Univ as our new Executive Chef. Here he tells us a little more about himself.

I first joined the University as a junior chef at Templeton College (now Green Templeton College), I flourished there and enjoyed many roles, including Pastry Chef, Sous Chef and then my promotion to Head Chef. During my time there, I led and supported my young and enthusiastic team in many successful catering competitions. I then became the Head Chef at the Said Business School. This was a move away from catering for students, bringing new challenges, looking after and catering for visiting international senior executives at the school. Here I enjoyed such things as working closely with programme directors building a leadership experience into their dining experience, and arranging catering off-site in places as obscure as castles, botanical gardens, and county homes. The new clients bought great opportunities to explore and produce cuisine from all around the globe.

It is a real privilege to join you all at University College. The grandeur and standing of the College was perhaps a little intimidating turning up for the first time! But upon joining Univ as the new Executive Chef, I was made to feel very welcome and immediately felt the support from my new colleagues. It is a new, exciting, and varied role for me, outside of the kitchen, with a much broader landscape to oversee and much to take in, which I am enjoying immensely. I enjoy worked alongside all of my teams, in many roles, on events big and small, understanding our traditions and history, and getting to know our community. Working with my colleagues, there is much ambition and enthusiasm to continue to build on the catering and hospitality offer and reputation of the College, which I very much look forward to achieving.

I am married, with two children. When not working we enjoy going away sailing as a family. At home I enjoy walking, driving and maintaining my classic MG car, cooking, and pottering in the garden, growing a small amount of fruit and veg.

Published: 27 November 2023

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