At Ginger Hospitality, we pride ourselves on the strength and spirit of our Relief Brigade. This June, we are delighted to recognise Ian Hird as our Temp of the Month, a chef whose consistency, professionalism and positive presence have made a lasting impact across countless kitchens in the North West.
A longstanding member of our Relief Brigade, Ian has supported venues ranging from Luxury Hotels to Gastro Pubs, stepping seamlessly into roles from Chef de Partie right through to Head Chef. Whether he’s holding the fort during holiday cover or leading a team through a busy season, Ian has shown time and time again that he is someone kitchens can rely on.
Most recently, Ian was placed at the Cavendish Hotel Baslow as a Relief Chef de Partie, where he went above and beyond to support the team during a crucial period. His ability to hit the ground running and deliver to the highest standard helped ensure the kitchen ran smoothly, even under pressure.
Speaking about his time with Ginger, Ian shared:
“Ginger is quite clearly, a company run on passion and people, and that duo is the key to the company’s longevity in this constantly changing trade.”
That people-first ethos is exactly what we value most, and what Ian embodies so effortlessly. His approach to Relief work isn’t just about filling gaps, it’s about becoming a part of the team, even if only for a short while. That care and commitment make a real difference to our clients and their customers.
“From a Chef’s perspective, having a professional, organised team behind you is a prerequisite,” Ian said. “That is where Ginger separates itself from the rest.”
At Ginger, we believe great Relief work is only possible when you have trust and mutual respect on both sides. Ian has shown, placement after placement, what it looks like when that’s done well.
Hannah Taylor, our General Manager, reflected on Ian’s contribution:
“Ian is everything you could want in a Relief Chef. He’s dependable, calm under pressure and brings a wealth of experience to every kitchen he joins. Our Partners regularly tell us how much they value having him on site.”
She added:
“Ian is not only a fantastic chef but a stand up guy. Nothing is too much and it is a pleasure to work with him. He’s a true ambassador for what the Ginger Brigade is all about. We’re so proud to have him on our team.”
His ability to adapt to different environments, workstyles and brigade structures is a credit to his experience and professionalism.
Ian, thank you for all the hard work, care and commitment you’ve shown this month and throughout your time with Ginger Hospitality. Your attitude and skill set the bar high and we’re lucky to have you representing us.
