Chef Benjamin Xavier Scores Job in Dubai

Hammersmith & Fulham College hospitality and catering alumni, Benjamin Xavier, has secured a top job as chef de cuisine at the Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai.

Benjamin, who was born and raised in London, started his culinary career in the college’s TASTE Restaurant during which he was accepted into the Fifteen Foundation training scheme run by Jamie Oliver.

After completing work placements at a number of top restaurants in London, Benjamin had the opportunity to shadow Michelin-starred chef Tom Aitkens. He later joined Sir Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco as senior sous chef and was part of the team that won ‘Best Small Hotel’ at the African Hotel Awards.

Hospitality & Catering Programme Manager Denise Charles said Benjamin’s success highlights the talent of the college’s culinary students: “It is great to see our former students travelling around the world as their careers take off. Benjamin is an inspiration to all of our current students about where their training may take them.”

Over the years, hundreds of students have earned industry-recognised qualifications through the college’s TASTE Restaurant. The kitchens, widely praised by visiting chefs, have also been the location of popular food television programmes such as Channel 4’s ‘Jamie’s Kitchen’ and ITV’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.