Richard Walton-Allen
Chef Alliance Member
Richard Walton-Allen has over twenty year’s experience in the food industry, the last twelve years as Executive Chef at Harvey Nichols. Richard’s passion for food and service finds an exciting new home with Create where his unrivalled experience in staff recruitment and training will change lives.
Richard pursued cooking as a career starting in Halifax and Elland in West Yorkshire. At 18 he moved to London for a formal apprenticeship, and then over the next six years found himself progress through various quality restaurants in London and Australia to hone his trade.
Richard has been involved with Create, its founders and its mission since it started in 2007 and he shares its passion. Create is an award-winning social enterprise that develops innovative training and creates jobs for people who have been homeless, marginalised or vulnerable. “I got angry about how people going through a tough time had it all stacked against them, I had to find a practical way to help.” Richard did this by raising funds with Streetsmart, a charity that gets restaurants and diners to support homeless people in their area.
Create’s flagship restaurant in Leeds utilises wonderful local talent and the finest British ingredients to create an unparalleled dining experience. Over 100 people in need a fresh start receive training at the restaurant, helping them make the journey into a job that provides not just income, but dignity and hope.
Read Richard’s blog on Create’s site.
