For Daisy Smith, the kitchen has always been more than a workplace – it’s where memories, creativity, and ambition all came together. Her love for food began long before she wore chef whites.
As a child, I used to spend school holidays with my dad, who was a chef at a private school in Rugby,” Daisy recalls. “I’d join him at work, and we’d cook together in the kitchen. It was such a fun experience and it taught me so much about food. Looking back, those times were a huge inspiration for me.
That early spark stayed with her. After leaving school, Daisy began her journey in catering as a kitchen porter at Weetabix in Burton Latimer. Surrounded by the sights and smells of a busy kitchen, she soon found herself drawn to the heart of it – preparing ingredients, cooking breakfasts, and eventually creating dishes of her own.
Once I started working with ingredients, something clicked,” she says. “I realised I had a passion for food, and I wanted to turn it into a career.
Three years on, that passion has flourished into a genuine craft. Daisy has discovered a real love for baking – from soft pastries to indulgent traybakes – and she takes pride in seeing others enjoy what she’s created.
There’s something so rewarding about making something from scratch and watching people’s faces light up when they taste it.
Her role at Angel Hill Food Co. has allowed that creativity to shine. In a team that celebrates ideas and encourages experimentation, Daisy feels supported to explore new flavours and keep learning every day.
What I enjoy most is being able to try new ideas and bring them to life on the menu,” she says. “When customers love what I’ve made, it makes everything worthwhile. I’ve also been really lucky to work with such a supportive and welcoming team – they’ve made my journey so special.
To build on her skills, Daisy joined the Culinary Classroom – a 10-month development programme designed to inspire and challenge chefs across Angel Hill. It’s been a highlight of her journey so far.
The Culinary Classroom has given me so many new ideas,” she says. “One of the best experiences was the Street Food Safari in Bristol. Trying all those incredible flavours opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about food, and I can’t wait to bring some of that inspiration into my own menus.
Outside of work, Daisy’s creativity continues. She loves spending time outdoors, walking her dog, and baking for family and friends – moments that remind her why she fell in love with cooking in the first place.
Cooking has always been a part of who I am – it brings people together,” she reflects. “To be able to do that every day and call it my job still feels amazing.
Daisy’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and creativity. From childhood afternoons in her dad’s kitchen to shaping menus of her own, she’s proof that when you follow your passion, every day can be a recipe for growth.
From cooking alongside her dad to creating exciting new dishes for customers, her journey shows what’s possible when you truly LOVE food.
