Maurizio Bocchi, La Locanda in Gisburn What is your current role and what does it involve? As chef patron of La Locanda in Gisburn, my days involve everything from creating, cooking and serving my handcrafted dishes ...
to kitchen porter! What was your first job in hospitality? Originally from Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, I moved to Lancashire with my wife Cinzia in 1996. I found myself with the opportunity to move to England and take a (European-funded) degree course at Myerscough College in Garstang to further my education and advance my career. We made our home in Nelson and, around my studies, I worked as a waiter in a local Italian restaurant.
How long have you been a chef? I started 28 years ago. It was whilst working at a local Italian restaurant that I discovered my passion for cooking. One day fate would play its part and the opportunity arose for me to step into the chef’s whites for the first time to cook and help the business get through their dinner service.
This challenge ignited my new passion, albeit later in my years but I must admit it was love at first sight. Where did you learn your craft? I grew up in the Italian countryside, spending my childhood learning about and appreciating the abundance of amazing produce around us, recognising and tasting them at their best. After receiving my diploma as a Perito Agrario, which teaches how to become an expert in farming and horticulture with chemistry, I began work in a local agriturismo (holiday farm).
My da.