Thomas Brady

Highly personable and collaborative, with a grounded, hands-on approach to building strong working relationships. Experienced in hospitality with experience in professional kitchens, retail management, and wholesale environments; all skills that support a business in tough trading environments. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, manage day-to-day operations, and deliver consistent, high-quality results under pressure.

A creative thinker with a love for food, ingredients, and process, able to develop new ideas and practical solutions that strengthen kitchen environments and elevate brands.

Chef at The Dove Dargate (2026-01 – Present)

Alongside the same responsibilities as before, supporting brothers country pub restaurant working on new menus and incorporating new ideas for the year ahead from the skills acquired at Meadowsweet.

• New stocks and sauce options
• Additions to elevate existing and new condiments and garnishes
• New starter ideas developed from the Canape experience
• Working on refining vegetable preparation for garnishes

Chef at Meadowsweet Holt (2025-04 – 2026-01)

Chef in Michelin kitchen, section management including ordering

• Ensuring attention to detail and exceptional customer engagement
• Meeting multiple deadlines in high pace environment
• Detailed planning and execution of daily, weekly, monthly menus

Chef at The Dove Dargate (2025-03 – 2025-04)

• Supporting the Head Chef on prep days
• Cooked dishes to order during service days
• Adhering to food safety regulations and best practices to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment
• Plating up to ensure excellent food presentation
• Contributed to menu ideas for both the a la Carte and ideas to elevate the bar snacks options

Owner & Manager, Chef at Star Plain (2021-04 – 2025-03)

Produced daily small plates menu for a busy café environment – 40% of overall sales. French Onion soups, Toasties, Daily soups, Cheese dishes, Steak nights - Italian and French inspired. Ticketed food event nights cooking with deli ingredients and local produce – La Cucina Povera inspired. Owned and operated a premium deli, coffee shop and café wine bar

• Curated high-quality, locally sourced artisan foods and beverages
• Managed daily operations, growth, and customer experience
• Built brand identity reflecting North Norfolk's quality ethos
• Recruited, trained, and motivated team members
• Managed supply chain, supplier relationships, and seasonal inventory
• Increased brand awareness through social media, community events, and partnerships

Head of Fashion Wholesale at NICCE (2018-09 – 2021-05)

• Drove global wholesale growth and brand visibility
• Managed key retail and distributor partnerships
• Expanded markets and optimized distribution channels
• Delivered sales targets and strategic brand collaborations

National Account Manager, Fashion at J Barbour & Sons Ltd (2017-09 – 2018-09)

Managed UK and international accounts for menswear, womenswear, and footwear

Head of Business Operations at GRACE & THORN (2015-10 – 2017-09)

Led sales and operational growth of a startup, reaching £1M+ turnover

Senior Wholesale Sales UK & EIRE at Hackett London (2015-06 – 2015-10)

Managed key UK accounts and international wholesale partnerships

UK & International Sales Manager at Ben Sherman (2013-07 – 2015-06)

Managed UK indie accounts and European distributors

UK Sales Executive at Blood Brother (2012-01 – 2013-05)

• Oversaw UK wholesale, flagship store management, and e-commerce

Master's Degree in Climate Change – Birkbeck, University of London (2018 – 2020)

BA (Hons) in International Development: Third World with NGO Management – University of East London (2009 – 2012)

AS & GCSE – Simon Langton Boys Grammar School, Canterbury (1996 – 2002)