"This wonderful team catered our wedding! Such fantastic food and truly lovely people!"
Sam
Meet the some of the Baba Team
Matthew Hyde - Director
By the time I was 10-years-old I knew I wanted to be a chef and got my first job four years later cleaning mussels on a Friday and Saturday night. After graduating from catering college I spent the next few years working my way up from commis chef to head chef in various restaurants across the North of England, working in some of the most highly recognised and acclaimed kitchens in the UK. I love being in the kitchen, experimenting with flavour combinations and creating truly individual dishes for our customers.
Favourite Baba Dish: Yorkshire Lamb with Pomegranate with Prunes
Favourite Restaurant: Big George's, Oisten’s Fish Fry, Barbados
Ashley Hyde - Director
I started my career in hotels at a young age, working for Best Western and Marriott International. From there I gained valuable experience managing weddings and large-scale events and soon found my passion for food, events and customer satisfaction. Creating Baba was a dream come true. Working with our customers and being part of their journey to deliver the perfect event menu is an experience I’ll never tire of.
Favourite Baba Dish: Coconut Dhal with Pomegranate
Favourite Restaurant: Katz’s Deli, New York
Martin Gavin - Head Chef
Martin has been with us for nearly 4 years now, and with a wealth of experience, he is a brilliant and talented chef who really shines in the kitchen. Martin also has a fantastic sense of humour and the Baba family would not be the same without him!
Favourite Baba Dish: Chicken and Chorizo Cassoulet
Favourite Restaurant: Magpie, Whitby
Dave Horton - Senior Sous Chef
Dave has a real passion for food. The mad scientist of Baba, he can often be found in the kitchen, inventing bespoke dishes full of colour and flavour and creating bespoke menus and dishes. He is a true perfectionist and takes immense pride in his work.
His cooking background has been dominated by Polish cuisine, before joining Baba he worked at the amazing Blue Barbakan in York. Dave always has a smile on his face, and is a patient, excellent asset leader to the team (aided by the fact that he loves to feed us!)
Favourite Baba Dish: Duo of Lamb - Pressed Shoulder, Herb Crusted Cutlet, Dauphinoise & Organic Vegetables
Favourite Restaurant: Del Raj, Barnsley
Naomi Patrick - Office and Events Manager
Naomi is the perfect Events and Office Manager, she is professional, kind yet easy going! She has a wealth of experience across a wide range of industry's making her very knowledgeable. One of Naomi's keys to success is keeping a steady supply of Haribo sweets!
Favourite Baba Dish: Roasted Duck Breast, Roast Sweet Potato, White Onion Sauce, Leg Spring Roll and Sautéed Greens
Favourite Restaurant: Momma Thai, Leeds
Naomi Ball - Operations and Events Manager
Naomi's supreme flair for organisation and attention to detail makes her the perfect Operations and Events Coordinator! She has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, so her customer service is second to non. And her professionalism (and penchant for a spreadsheet) has meant she has swiftly moved through the ranks to being a senior manager and is the perfect woman for the job.
Favourite Baba Dish: Wensleydale & Leek Croquette with Creamed Leeks
Favourite Restaurant: Roost, Heaton Moor
Rebecca Claxton -Event Coordinator
Local Yorkshire lass Rebecca joined the Baba team after spending multiple years in Spain experiencing the culture and, of course, the food! She embodies everything that Baba is: Rebecca is positive, enthusiastic and always has a smile on her face!
Favourite Baba Dish: Whitby Crab and Cucumber Caviar
Favourite Restaurant: Ottolenghi, London
Bay Rawlinson - Event Coordinator
Bay brings so much energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the team! She has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked across the globe in Australia and New Zealand. Bay is the perfect person to organise your special event from discussing exciting menus to unique décor ideas!
Favourite Baba Dish: Roast Cod, Spiced Squash Puree, Samphire, Sea Herb Bhaji & Raita
Favourite Restaurant: Chiltern Firehouse, London
Georgia Baigrie - Event Coordinator
Georgia is super bubbly, friendly and chatty! Her customer service is second to non, you will be in great hands with Georgia as your Event Coordinator. Wherever you are across our HQ, you will always hear her brilliant laugh!
Favourite Baba Dish: Wild Mushroom and Celeriac Wellington, Squash Veloute & Seasonal Greens
Favourite Restaurant: Le Rustique, York
Ashlea Smith - Event Coordinator
Ashlea is full of energy and is always happy to help within the events and kitchen team! Her previous experience working within the events industry has been vital in her immediate success at Baba. Ashlea always surprises the office with her homemade sweet treats!
Favourite Baba Dish: Crispy Chili Chicken Bao Buns
Favourite Restaurant: Yuzu Street Food
Jess Frazer - Event Coordinator
The newest edition to the Baba office team! Jess comes from a degree in Events and has a passion for this industry.
Favourite Baba Dish: Beef Bourguignon
Favourite Restaurant: Cut & Craft York
Hannah Smith - Pastry Chef
Hannah has studied the culinary arts for many years, joining the Baba team after a four year degree in 'Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts Management'. A real sweet tooth, Hannah enjoys developing her baking skills and will be a driving force behind our Baba Bakery. Hannah has a quiet and gentle nature, but a confident approach towards cooking and never fails to bring exciting ideas to the kitchen!
Favourite Baba Dish: Traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch, Brandy Snap and Salted Caramel Cream
Favourite Restaurant: Wilderness in Birmingham
Ian - Event Chef
With an impressive 38 years of cooking experience and an impressive resume, Ian has a well-rounded knowledge of all things food! At Baba HQ, he always has a smile on his face and brings a warm, positive energy to the kitchen. He is always the first person to volunteer to help out, no matter the task, making him a valued member of the Baba team!
Favourite Baba Dish: Monk Fish, Puy Lentils and Smoked Pancetta
Favourite Restaurant: Sweet Basil, York
Liam Johnstone - Event Chef
Liam is the perfect guy to have on your large scale events, as he is a superb chef who thrives in the rush of service and is cool and calm under pressure. He is the go-to guy for meats and grills and with his fine dining background, he is happy to throw himself into any event menu. He brings a great wealth of experience and knowledge.
Favourite Baba Dish: Fillet of Yorkshire Pork with Chestnut Crumb , Ash Baked Celeriac, Truffle Pommes Anna
Favourite Restaurant: Crab & Lobster, Thirsk
Elisa Winstanley - Event Chef
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Daniel Said - Event Chef
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Cory Loft - Event Chef
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Favourite Restaurant: San Carlo's, Manchester
TJ - Prep Chef and Kitchen Porter
TJ has been a part of the Baba family for over a year now and without him our company just wouldn't be the same! Behind the scenes, TJ is always around to lend a hand and support the team with anything they need. Always up for a laugh and a bit of banter, the kitchen wouldn't be the same without him.
Favourite Baba Dish: Yorkshire Dales Saddle of Lamb
Favourite Restaurant: The King William
Jade Mason - Facilities Coordinator
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