From the very start it has been important to Jonathan that local staff make up the backbone of the team. We feel that providing local flavour and knowledge of the surrounding area is vital to ensuring customers receive an informed and competent standard of service without being stuffy and overly formal. 

Louise Partis (Sous Chef)

Jonathan's "right hand" and long suffering sous chef at The DuCane, Louise has worked with Jonathan for 10 long years and shares his passion for food. A finalist in the East Anglian Chef of the Year competition, Louise more recently reached the finals of EFDA Chef of the Year 2011, competing as the only woman and sous chef in the competition. With her particular skill for fabulous desserts, Louise and Jonathan work closely together to bring you the highest standard of food possible. 

Josh Barrick

Having been with us for over two years now and currently studying at the Colchester Institute, Josh recently did us all proud by winning the EFDA Chef of the Future 2011 award.

Matt Cooper

Matt joined us on our popular apprenticeship scheme and is attending the Colchester Institute at Sheepen road for his catering studies. Matt, a keen young Commis chef, is a great addition to the Ducane kitchen team and intends to enter some of the local competitions this year.

Bradlee Hopwood

After leaving school Bradlee joined us initially as a kitchen assistance and has now been recruited on our apprenticeship scheme attending college this year at the Colchester Institute. already showing great promise, Bradlee is the new crop of Commis chef at The Ducane.

Here are some of the other local lads and lasses that make up the team at The DuCane;

Megan, Matt, Clare, georgia, Catherine, Jennifer, Molly, Alex, Charlotte, Luke, Oli, Demi, Callum, Ben, Jack and of course The Du Cane's pets - Ty, Tomcat, Turkish and Pumpernikel