We're so excited to be selling one of our own local chefs' and friend of Raindrops on Roses first cook book!
At the tender age of 18, after leaving school at 16 and not knowing what to do with his life, Jon looked in the wrong places and ended up in prison with a sentence of 6 and a half years.
From day one, he knew he had to make some serious changes to his life and took full responsibility for how and why he was in prison. He took part in educational courses in all kinds of subjects but what had the most profound effect on him was when he started working towards his Duke of Edinburgh's Award. During his time in prison he became the first person in custody to complete all stages of the awards. It taught him to be resilient, and boosted his self-esteem, confidence and interpersonal skill.
The section of the award that had the biggest impact on Jon was the Skills section. He was already working in the prison kitchen so thought this was the opportunity to learn to cook and gain his NVQ qualifications.
Jon had a natural talent for cooking but never thought it would become his career, let alone something he would fall madly in love with!
Towards the latter stages of his sentence, after completing his cookery qualification, he was able to move into a resettlement unit and was given the opportunity to work in one of Jamie Oliver's restaurants. So impressed with Jon's work and dedication, that he was offered a full time job to start straight after his release, only days after receiving his D of E gold award from HRH Prince Philip at St James' Palace!
He worked for Jamie's restaurant for over five years, and has owned his own food truck, served healthy lunches on St Albans high street, catered private events, dinner parties, weddings and was the chef in the X Factor house at one point!
Jon took to social media to share his recipes and passion of all things food in 2020 during the pandemic, he was blown away with how well they were received.
Since his release from prison over 10 years ago, Jon has appeared on ITVs this morning, cooked for celebrities and royalty and in impressive places such as Windsor Castle. But he's not one to shy away from his past, knowing it was an important part of who he is today. Over the years Jon has spent time mentoring young people as well as talking and teaching in prisons and schools.
In this book, you'll find some of the recipes that have helped Jon establish himself as one of the most influential social media chefs.
Product information:
Size: 25cm x 19.5cm
Pages: 240
Colour illustrated