Herta Weeks

I've been a head chef for most of my career and have always enjoyed being an independent person, working well under pressure. Reliable, loyal, discreet, professional and punctual, I am also good at adjusting to changing circumstances, whether that's working very well within a team, or leading it. In my most recent role, I was a head chef having even launched my own Pizza & Pasta evenings – which quickly turned into a resounding success – and before that ran my own businesses ranging from pubs to restaurants over a period of eleven years.

As a result of my expansive and diverse experience, I've gained an incredible knowledge of the hospitality industry, empowering me to be agile in the way that I approach business challenges, as well as the way in which I train team members – both front of house and kitchen staff. I have a very hands-on approach and throw my all into any given role, taking pride in absolutely everything that I do.

Head Chef, Sous Chef & Pastry Chef - Number 10 Wine Bar Lavenham - Lavenham

(2014-01 - 2018-07)

I worked between the positions of head chef, sous chef and pastry chef in this very established restaurant in Lavenham. I launched my own Pizza & Pasta evenings on Sundays which quickly became the restaurant's most popular evenings for diners, where during the rest of the week I adapted well to requirements, stepping up in the positions of both Sous Chef and Pastry Chef, also designing my own menus.

Landlady & Head Chef - Shepherd & Dog Stowmarket - Stowmarket

(2010-11 - 2014-01)

I ran this pub successfully alongside my husband. My role included being the head chef, employing staff, staff training, running the beer cellar, working the finances with my husband, and much more.

Landlady and Head Chef - Gappmaier's Austrian Restaurant - Long Melford

(2008-03 - 2010-10)

I ran this restaurant successfully, serving homemade Austrian specialties that were much loved by everybody. My role included being the head chef, employing staff, staff training, managing the front of house, designing the menu and beyond.

Landlady - The Greyhound Public House - Lavenham

(2003-03 - 2008-03)

I ran this pub alongside my husband, where my duties included being the head chef, employing staff, staff training and managing front of house, taking this long-struggling pub and turning its reputation around during the time we were there.

Restaurant Manager - The White Hart - Great Yeldham

(2001-01 - 2003-03)

I was the restaurant manager and ran the front of house very successfully. I was therefore responsible for 25 staff members, training staff, customer bookings, outside catering functions. I left The White Hart on good terms to start up my own business.

Diploma - Hospitality Industry - Austrian institution (1992)

Twin Apprenticeship - Kitchen and Front of House - Austrian institution (1984)

Secondary Education - Austrian school (1976)