Serving up success on a plate

His father was a Michelin starred chef and now he is up for a major business award. Catherine Scott reports.

Growing up the son of a Michelin-starred chef, it was always likely that Daniel Gill was going to have a career in food.

But unlike his father, Michael, who ran Pool Court in Leeds for more than 40 years, Daniel has spent his career on the management side of fine dining.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daniel is managing director of bespoke caterer and event management company Dine, which owns The Mansion in Leeds.

And tonight he will find out if he has won the inaugural Great British Entrepreneur Awards in London after being shortlisted in the Food and Drink category.

“I started washing dishes for my father at the age of 12 and so I saw first hand what great fun it was to work in a restaurant but also what hard work,” recalls Daniel.

“The one thing I really remember through is the attention to detail and the way that everything was about looking after the customer and ensuring that everyone and everything was in the right place at the right time.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dine was launched in 1998 when Daniel returned to Leeds from working in London.

Pool Court was often asked to do “outside” catering and so Dine was born.

Now managing a suite of venues in the North of England, including The Mansion in Roundhay Park, Leeds, Wentworth Woodhouse and Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall, Dine offers a creative and unique service in event planning and catering.

It is Daniel’s eye for detail and his exemplary organisational skills which have kept Dine at the top of their game even during a recession.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Things have been challenging in the last few years as they have been for a lot of people, but at these times it is even more important to make sure you deliver what you promise.

“Whether it is somebody’s wedding or a corporate event you have to give people what they want. it isn’t just about the food, it is about the entire experience.”

The award shortlist outlines the reasons behind Daniel’s nomination: “Daniel Gill’s contribution to the events industry is wide ranging; from event and venue management to consultancy services, the expertise he has gained from his years within the industry is priceless. He uses this to ensure that Dine constantly innovates and delivers high quality events, wherever the location.”

Speaking about the award Daniel says: “I am delighted to be shortlisted. The Dine team has worked hard over the last 17 years to ensure that we offer the highest level of service to our customers whilst staying at the forefront of the latest trends in outside catering. To be acknowledged for our work and passion for the industry is humbling.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dine was recently a finalist for Best Caterer at the North of England Wedding Awards – Yorkshire and the North East’s most prestigious awards for client service excellence.

For more information about Dine visit www.dine.co.uk.

As part of The Yorkshire Post’s Christmas Appeal over the next few weeks we are holding a Charity Auction to raise money to fund a Support Dog. This week you can bid for a spectacular wine tasting experience at The Mansion in Leeds. The lot is for eight people to have lunch or dinner at The Mansion with wine supplied by Hoults Wines. For more information about the charity appeal and to bid for this fantastic prize visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/appeal

Related topics: