How old do you have to be to become a head chef

It was fantastic to see Luke Thomas at The Big Event in aid of Springboard UK and Hospitality Action the other night. Luke, who is about to head up his own restaurant at the Sanctum on the Green in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, is surely going to hit the headlines even more as word spreads that this talented young chef is only 18 years old.

Luke, of course, famously won Springboard's Future Chef competition in 2009 and since has been his time since then working in some of the best operations in the hospitality world.

But what does it take to become a head chef and when do you think the best time is? What skills do you have to have in place? What life skills do you need for when tricky situations arise?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I was lucky that a couple had the faith and saw my drive to want me to be the head chef at 23yrs especially at a red star property. One thing youth does not give you in abundance is wisdom. I put a massive amount of pressure on myself to succeed, I was given advice from my head chef at Ston Easton to go for it, others just said be patient and don’t expect awards to arrive instantly! Then at 25yrs I took a step to sous and pastry chef at Mallory Court with an old friend as Head chef, not a down move but a good learning. Then was lucky to land the head chefs job that year there. I had always wanted to work there as its iconic! one thing that you don’t accept is how valuable failure can be at certain points, how it allows you to learn, grow and mature not only in cooking but maturity as well. I never take age as a restrictor in any position I recruit for. As for when are you ready, you know deep down that yourself and if you are younger it requires a leap of faith from someone. Skills are the usual, finance, self-management and a whiff of humour for the dark times when your faith is tested, reviews, good and bad, teams not doing what you wish and the times when it feels like all is lost. dig in, wipe the brow and plough o self-awareness is paramount these days along with good man management, attitude and keeping a calm and level outlook. Once you run your first operation, you won't wish to go back. As I tell my team the only limits we have are money, time and your own vision. Good luck to Luke, let the games begin 