Name: Lyndy Redding
Job Title: Managing Director of absolute Taste and catering manager for McLaren-Mercedes at the Grand Prix.
Qualifications: Cordon Bleu diploma from Tante Marie School of Cookery, Woking.
How did you get into F1: I worked for a cooks agency in London who supplied quite a few of the cooks in the F1 paddock. My first job was as a cook hostess and I have worked up from there.
What does the job involve: Running the catering operation for the two McLaren motor homes which includes buying all the catering equipment for the units and running them at the races. I also employ all the staff including chefs, runners and the people who work front of house. Absolute Taste is part of the TAG-McLaren group of companies and we do quite a lot of work outside Formula One as well. We provide catering services for a variety of different events – everything from corporate sporting events and business functions to private parties and weddings.
Best bit: I love the travel and also working in the environment of this team. Image is very important in Formula One and we have to work to very high standards. The goalposts are always changing as teams try to go one better on each other and I really enjoy that challenge. Its’ always more fun to be the best ant that’s what our brief is; to be number 1 in the paddock.
Worst bit: The long hours. At the races we work from 5am to 10pm and my hours back in the office aren’t much better.
Qualifications required: You need to be very flexible and hard working and have a happy disposition because you are working with guests all the time. Stamina is also important! Cooks need to have relevant catering experience and be good all-rounder. The front of house staff just need to be happy and helpful. Restaurant experience is great but personality comes first.
Salary package: Most catering staff in the paddock are part-time because the work is seasonal. Full time staff would start at around £14,000 and earn up to £30,000 for a catering co-ordinator.
