My name is Zoltan, the newest member of Hub International focusing on the culinary journey of our students and trainees. I come from a small-hold background where we kept farm animals, made fine wines and brandy as well as home made charcuterie. I was 14 years of age when I first entered a kitchen of a small elderly home in Hungary and got the buzz for cooking.Just four years later I moved to Helsinki in Finland without speaking any English or Finnish learning the language on the job as a chef.
Chef Zoltan talks passionately about produce
Not long after I turned 20 years old I moved to sunny Glasgow and started my career with the 5* Hilton Hotel Glasgow, being in charge of its fine dining restaurant, Cameron’s.
From the Hilton my journey took me to Aberfoyle where I took on my first head chef role at a Macdonald Hotel, this followed by the opportunity to open the iconic Glasgow Grand Central as senior sous chef. I spent 4.5 years at the Grand Central being promoted to Head Chef not long after the opening and then I returned in 2019 as its executive chef.
Chef Zoltan presents certificate to a Hospitality Industry Trust Scholar in 2023
In between, my journey took me to Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow’s top 5* hotel where I was the Executive Chef until I returned to the Grand Central. In 2020 I was fortunate to have the opportunity to become a part of the luxury 5* Cameron House on Loch Lomond’s re-opening team as the Executive Chef for the resort where I spent two and half years.
Not long after leaving the Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond I followed my roots and went to work to Barnhill Farm in Renfrewshire. This job gave me a feel of belonging, having coming from a smallholder background. The farm shop grew from strength to strength, using our own cattle lamb and pork on the menu, baking fresh breads, pies and making ice cream in our specially designed ice cream room with milk sourced from less than 10 miles from the farm.
During this time I joined Hub international as a senior part time chef tutor and completed my PDA in teaching practises at City of Glasgow College, this has since allowed me improve my programme planning and educational experience which enabled me to join this fantastic team of passionate people in a leadership role.
Chef Zoltan steps in to Head of Culinary Education position which was previously held by Lauren Shields
During my cooking career I have had the opportunity to cook for over twenty five world leaders (two POTUS), and a number of famous singers and sports personality’s, royalties as well as actors and I use these interesting to promote the catering and hospitality that I am passionate about.
My favourite food is spaghetti Bolognese served home made pasta or gnocchi, or good quality charcuterie meats with cheeses and home made bread along with a lovely glass of Zinfandel to accompany it!
I am keen to deliver more masterclasses and workshops for the general public too, so please do contact me if you are keen to enhance your own culinary skills!
Zoltan
