"A lightbulb has lit up inside and given me energy, and that energy has given me something that is quite amazing: a sense of confidence and a sense of fulfilment. Three years ago, when they opened, times were hard. The first year was absolute hell, says Baker, and he contemplated putting the business into receivership. But this year, it became profitable. I work in the kitchen every day and create recipes, and it's a real inspiration to me."
"He was into heavy metal and had long hair, and his abiding memory of sixth form, in Essex, was of the deputy head saying to him: What an unpleasant surprise to see you back here. The next day, Baker left. And, as you do when you leave with no qualifications, I got a job in a restaurant. He liked cooking and enrolled on a national diploma in hospitality operations."
"I felt put down at school, he says. Not good enough. But in hospitality: I found something I really enjoyed. People saw a big change in my personality. He had always been shy, but when he worked in a hotel in Bournemouth, his friends visited. They played pool, ate fillet steaks, and were impressed. Subconsciously, it meant something to me that I had value, Baker says."
Rich Baker, aged 60, launched Flat Earth Pizzas in east London with his wife, Sarah, and made their own kimchi for a kimchi fiorentina pizza. The pizza won a national award in 2023, bringing recognition and profitability after a difficult first year when the business nearly entered receivership. Baker works daily in the kitchen creating recipes and describes a renewed energy, confidence and fulfilment. He left school at 16 without qualifications, trained in hospitality, and progressed through kitchen, bar and housekeeping roles in hotels and restaurants. He credits hospitality with giving people enjoyable experiences and providing personal value and purpose.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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