Kitchen Porter of the Month: Paula Britton, The Kendleshire

We feature some of the best chef’s in the world on The Staff Canteen but where would they be without their KP? We thought it was time to celebrate the unsung heroes of the kitchen in a new monthly feature, KP of the Month, and this month it is Paula Britton from The Kendleshire.

She was nominated by head chef Richard Guest, who said: “Paula has worked here so long now that when I took over the kitchen her pot wash was already running smooth. She has always been positive and has a good attitude, her time keeping and work ethic is spot on, the kind that kitchens need to be successful – she’s a pleasure to manage.”

How long have you worked at The Kendleshire for?

I’ve worked at the Kendleshire now for 14 years and in that time very rarely have I had a day off sick.

Why did you want to be a KP?

I didn’t, I initially applied for a cleaners job as that was what I was doing before I worked here. I walked through the kitchen and met the very first head chef that was working here at the time and got on well with him so asked if I could work for him. I wasn’t keen on the cleaning lady! I’ve never looked back since.

Are you interested in cooking or happy to stay as a KP?

I occasionally help the chefs on breakfast and enjoy it and I like doing the sandwiches for the funerals but no way, I don’t want the stress of the cooking! I will let the chefs carry on!

What is it like to work at The Kendleshire, and what is Richard like as a boss?

It's brilliant, I meet lots of lovely new people and I have made some great friends working here. Rich is the fourth head chef I’ve worked for here and we get on really well, we have fell out but who doesn’t? He can be grumpy early in the morning but he soon comes round!

As a KP, what’s the most annoying thing chefs do in the kitchen?

The chefs never pick up the towels or put them in the washing machine then start moaning they haven’t got any towels! If it wasn’t for me they would always burn their hands!

Is there anything chefs could do to make your life easier?

Occasionally wash something up to show they can still do it! But to be fair they are all really good so no, they have the pressure with their job so it’s best they do that and I do this.

And do you get to try the food?

I do try some of the food but I’m a bit fussy with food, so some of the posh stuff doesn’t take my fancy but I like the scones they make.

Do you have a favourite dish you have tried at the restaurant?

Rich makes a lovely cod cheek curry for our fish Fridays and I didn’t know it wasn’t chicken until he told me after but it was lovely.

Would you encourage other chefs to nominate and celebrate their KPs?

Yes, yes, yes! We work so hard washing up the pots and pans, and it can be very relentless so for Rich to recognise that is lovely and shows that all the hard work I do pays off. This is fantastic.

>>> Read more KP of the Month features here

If you want us to feature your KP email cara@thestaffcanteen.com