James Ellis

Highly experienced and accomplished chef with extensive experience in private households, luxury hospitality and high-end professional kitchens, including working directly for high-profile private clients. I specialise in creating fresh, varied and beautifully presented food tailored to individual tastes, dietary requirements and nutritional preferences. Having worked in demanding private and professional environments, I bring a discreet, reliable and highly professional approach, together with excellent organisation, food hygiene standards and attention to detail.

I am confident working independently and managing multiple meals and requirements efficiently, while maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming kitchen environment. I've also been running my own mobile coffee cart est 2024.

Business owner at Jambake coffee & cake (2024-03 – Present)

• Own and operate a mobile coffee business
• Manage all day-to-day business operations
• Maintain a level 5 food hygiene and safety

Private chef at Tommy Hilfiger (2023-08)

• Prepare customized menu plans for the principal
• Communicate directly with the client to determine the meal preference, food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Provision for ingredients before purchasing
• Adapt and be ready to cook any dish at last-minute notice, at any time of the day
• Showcase multiple cuisines from Asian, European, Mexican, Indian
• Consistently demonstrate an approachable, accommodating and well-presented manner

Private chef at Rost Residence (2022-04 – 2023-08)

• Private chef to John Rost and family
• Prepare customized menu plans for the principal
• Communicate directly with the client to determine the meal preference, food allergies and dietary restrictions
• Provision for ingredients before purchasing
• Maintain a high-quality standards in the kitchen

Senior Sous Chef at Necker Island (2019-08 – 2021-08)

• Private chef to Sir Richard Branson and family
• Second in command in the resort kitchen, lead and manage 12 staff and six kitchens
• Exemplify outstanding adaptability and creativity in producing requests by guests and principal

Event and Pastry Chef at Absolute Taste (2015-05 – 2019-06)

Sous Chef at The Muddy Duck (2013-06 – 2015-05)

Chef De Partie at Northcote Manor, Michelin 1* (2011-03 – 2013-06)

Lisa Goodwin- Allen, Chef Patron

VRQ Professional Chef L 1,2,3 in Culinary Arts – Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (2008 – 2011)

Patissers Certificate Level 2 in Pastry – Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (2011)