Nicola Lamb is July’s CODE employee of the month. Nicola is a pastry chef and ice cream sandwich maker at Happy Endings.
Nicola’s team love working with her – the dedication, positive attitude and insight she brings to the table every day have been instrumental in helping to build a wonderful business and place to work.
When did you realise you wanted to work in hospitality?
It never occurred to me that I wanted to work in this thing called “hospitality”; As far as I was concerned, I just wanted to hideaway in a kitchen, learn to make delicious, thoughtful food and work in a creative environment with likeminded people. That was four years ago. I’ve since gained a greater appreciation for the hospitality industry and those fighting the good fight within it.
Why did you want to work for Fraise Sauvage/Happy Endings?
Have you tasted The Malty One? I had enjoyed a Happy Endings Ice Cream Sandwich a few times and had always been blown away; they managed to bridge the gap between fine dining and nostalgic fun in the most fantastic way.
And then when I met Terri, who is a genius – as energetic and creative as she is kind – How could I work anywhere else?!
Who inspires you?
My dad, for never compromising.
My best friend Giles for giving the most fantastic performance as (another inspiration) Nigel Slater in “Toast” on in London right now.
My cat, Pancake, whose commitment to his sleep schedule is truly enviable.
And of course, my former colleague and dear pal Rav for her work to improve the industry for us all with CounterTalk, the community for chefs.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Like all pastry chefs worth their salt, I have an extremely accurate internal timer. Pretty much o the second. I blame bake shifts at Little Bread Pedlar.
What is your desert island dish?
Grilled Mushrooms from Bar Ganbara in San Sebastián. Followed by 2KG of Original Beans Femmes de Virunga. Enjoyed with a bottle of water so fizzy it blows your head off.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
Having a jolly time, wherever that may be.
A big thank you to our friends at Bibendum Wine for being our prize partner for this month, Nicola will be enjoying a case of their chosen Wine of the Month.
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