Leon Allen
Divisional Manager
Education
When I finished school I chose the route of experience over education, getting into work pretty much the day after finishing school, and before I’d even received my GCSE results. I then worked in catering and kitchens for the best part of 20 years, gaining all my required certificates and training as I went.
Last Job
Surprisingly, my last job was a chef in a restaurant, I’ve worked in all sorts of venues from street food to gastro pubs. I’ve also worked in an M&S and did a few odd jobs in the South of France all while getting a tan.
Hometown
There are Northerners and Southerners, but I’m middle-ish! Birmingham born and bred. I also lived in leafy Hertfordshire for a while, but the call of a big city won me over and brought me back home.
FAVOURITE COLLEAGUE
Too many to mention, I can’t pick one! Steph is always helping me daily, adjust to office life, Molly putting up with my annoying payroll queries, Louise for her no-nonsense advice and Clare for just being an all-round amazing person.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB
People say “if you love your job, you never really work a day in your life” I never used to believe that was true until I joined Enhance. Some days are harder than others, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The best part of my job; is my actual job.
GO TO DRINK
I do love a beer, not fussed on make or type, just beer… occasionally a cocktail or few, the weirder the better.
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION
As a chef I’m probably expected to say a Michelin stared restaurant… but I much prefer the pop ups gone bigger and the street food stalls, Anywhere I can get messy and have food shamelessly around my face; Tierra Tacos in the Jewellery Quarter, Meat meets Bun at various sites, the list could go on…
FAVOURITE SANDWICH
A burger is a sandwich, right? If you’re talking classic fillings then Rare beef, rocket and horseradish.
INTERESTING FACT
Seriously scared of heights, but love rollercoasters, bigger the better. Also will scream at a spider, no matter the size.
PETS vs KIDS
Kids. However, you do end up cleaning poop up for both… so that’s a hard one?