Daniel-Parker
Daniel Parker
Head chef at Kenny Atkinson's House of Tides restaurant in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Daniel Parker took up his current role after working alongside Alan O’Kane at Wynyard Hall.
He says: "In the beginning, I wasn’t so much inspired to be a chef, it was a bit of a happy accident, but what inspires me now are the constant possibilities and the endless amount of roads you can go down with food. The industry is such a busy, hectic place, but everyone has time for each other, everyone is happy to teach, and to share knowledge. Also inspiring me is the guests I cook for; being a part of their special occasion, or helping them enjoy a nice evening is a fantastic feeling, and amazing to be a part of."
Parker entered National Chef of the Year because he believes it is a well-respected competition within the industry.
"I wanted a new challenge and this seemed like the perfect thing to challenge myself, and for me to pit myself against some of the best chefs in the country. To be included in the final is an absolute honour, and no matter where I place in the final, it is something I will remember for a long, long time," he adds.