Lane’s Craft Works Journey
When Wilson Vale Senior Chef De Partie Lane Smith moved to the UK from Australia in early 2020, he had no professional kitchen experience and no clear idea on where his new career path would lead.
It was during lockdown that Lane discovered a passion for cooking and a determination to learn everything he could about the hospitality industry. Just four years later, he has built an impressive career, earned award-winning recognition, and continues to develop through the Wilson Vale Craft Works training programme.
“Craft Works has been like opening a book to an in-depth world of knowledge. Whether it’s making unique breads, canapés or crucial knowledge of operations, Craft Works keeps you wanting to learn more.” Lane Smith, Senior Chef De Partie
Lane began his professional journey in 2022 as a Junior Commis Chef with Clayton Hotels, where he learned the foundations of working in a professional kitchen. After six months, he joined King’s College Cambridge, progressing to Demi Chef De Partie during his two years there. Looking back on his time at King’s College, Lane credits the experience and mentorship of his colleagues for helping shape his career. One standout moment was assisting the British Culinary Federation with a fine dining dinner for more than 300 guests.
Alongside his role, Lane completed his Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College in 2024, achieving distinctions across all final exams. He also represented the college at ExCeL London, winning a gold medal for preparing a chicken for sauté.
At the end of 2024, Lane joined Wilson Vale and quickly made an impact, earning a promotion to Senior Chef De Partie after just seven months. He was also named Rising Star of the Year 2025, recognising both his talent and commitment to continuous learning. A key part of Lane’s development with Wilson Vale has been through their Craft Works Sous Chef training, designed to build both culinary expertise and operational confidence. The programme covers menu design, planning and costing, supervising food production, purchasing and stock control, fine dining and advanced hospitality, bread and dough products, HACCP and risk assessments, and advanced patisserie.
Ashley Sargent, Area Manager, has supported Lane throughout his development journey and has seen first-hand the dedication he brings to every opportunity.
“I am incredibly impressed by how fully Lane has immersed himself in Craft Works. His enthusiasm, dedication, and consistently positive approach have made this journey a real pleasure. Being able to share my knowledge and support his development has been extremely rewarding. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
For Lane, the support and balance he has found at Wilson Vale have played an important role in his progression. Now four years into his hospitality career, he is continuing to work towards completing his Sous Chef training and is excited for what comes next.
“Wilson Vale has provided me with an unmatched level of work life balance and support. I am excited to continue developing and challenging myself within this company, and with the support that I have received, I am confident I can achieve any goal that I set myself.”
