A spark ignited during childhood holidays at his family’s Lake District B&B led Daniel to his love for food and hospitality. He looks back fondly at how he would spend time as a child helping wherever he could from cleaning plates and setting tables to baking desserts with his aunt.  

Culinary Journey and Proud Moments 

At 15, Daniel completed work experience at a local Italian restaurant before studying Professional Cookery at Sheffield City College. He cites his lecturers including Chefs Len Unwin, Mick Burke and Neil Taylor as inspiring him to really take cooking seriously. 

During his final year at college, he started work as a part time commis chef at Rafters, where he has since risen through the ranks to become group head chef. During that time, he has led the team to achieve three AA Rosettes, something he describes as one of his proudest moments.  

Another notable moment of pride for Daniel is making it through to the NCOTY semi-finals in 2022, which he says has made him more determined to come back stronger this time around.  

Learning and Staying Curious 

Constantly seeking growth and inspiration through travel, eating out and learning from chefs around the world on social media, Daniel thrives on pushing his creative boundaries. He loves seeing how other chefs operate at the highest level and enjoys staging at other restaurants. Most recently he spent time with Chef Jake Jones and the team at The Forge at Middleton Lodge. He describes the experience of staging and spending time in different kitchens as something that challenges his thinking and motivates him to improve. 

Facing Challenges 

Like many in the industry, Covid was an incredibly challenging period for Daniel, but he says it also became a turning point. During that time, he stepped into the head chef role, and collectively with Chefs Tom Lawson and Alistair Myers at Rafters, they chose not to stand still. Together they redesigned the kitchen, evolved the restaurant and focused on coming back stronger. He says the whole experience taught him resilience, adaptability and the importance of leadership during difficult times. 

Life Outside the Kitchen 

Outside of the kitchen he loves to get outside and explore, especially walking in the Peak District. Music is another passion for Daniel, and he compares it to a great meal, having the power to take you out of the everyday.  

Final Thoughts 

Proud to be in the final alongside so many chefs he admires, Daniel says winning the title would mean everything to him and the team at Rafters.