Diana Biddiscombe

Enthusiastic and compassionate individual with experience in family support, childcare and professional kitchen environments.

Experienced Head

Chef with strong food hygiene, organisation and food preparation skills, including responsibility for specials boards, high teas and functions. Hardworking, dependable and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene and customer service.

Head Chef at Stur of the Moment (2024-10 – Present)

• Lead kitchen operations and oversee the preparation and service of food to a consistently high standard.
• Prepare meals from scratch while maintaining strict food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Plan and manage the specials board, including menu ideas, preparation and presentation.
• Plan and provide high teas to a high standard, from preparation through to service.
• Organise and cater for functions and special occasions, including birthdays, funerals and anniversaries.
• Monitor food storage, refrigeration and freezer temperatures and maintain safe food-handling practices.
• Maintain clean and hygienic kitchen areas, equipment, utensils and work surfaces.
• Manage kitchen priorities effectively during busy services and functions while maintaining quality and safety.

Family Support Worker at Stalbridge Congregational Church (2015-04 – Present)

• Developed trusted relationships with families and communities.
• Planned, promoted and managed baby and toddler groups, creating a safe environment for new parents to meet and build lasting relationships.
• Ran a busy community church kitchen, cooking meals for up to 50 children and designing arts and crafts projects.

Chef at The Crown (2010-07 – 2011-04)

• Maintained strict food health, hygiene and safety standards for ongoing kitchen compliance.
• Checked freezer and refrigerator temperatures regularly, maintaining produce quality and safety.
• Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
• Used appropriate cleaning techniques to sanitise counters and utensils and enable safe preparation of raw produce.
• Oversaw kitchen operations for in-house dining and outside catering events, maintaining reliable, quality food service.
• Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.
• Cleaned and serviced kitchen appliances, maintaining good working order of grills, stoves and ovens.
• Handled and stored food using appropriate methods to reduce illness risks and prevent cross-contamination.
• Maintained high standards of cooking procedures, garnishes and food presentation.

GCSEs in Hotel & Catering, Mathematics, Science, English and Biology – Piet Retief High School

NCFE Level 2 in Supporting Children in a School – Teaching Assistant – Think Employment (2023-01 – 2023-01)