From Care Home in Joburg to Catering at the Ritz – Lucky in London

Lucky Masinya sure is lucky…and hard-working and talented. The young South African pastry chef, who has lived in a care home in Johannesburg for a number of years, is currently undergoing an incredible work experience programme in London that’s included working with the best at the Ritz, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons and Pretty Sweet; and meeting the likes of Drake and Rihanna at the Brits Awards (where Pretty Sweet catered)!

Living in the care home, Lucky had always been passionate about food, but it wasn’t until a friend advised him to complete a level 2 diploma in patisserie at the Johannesburg Culinary School that he came to see himself pursuing his passion as a career.

“After I qualified as a pastry chef, I was offered the opportunity to train and specialise as a chocolatier, which I’ve been doing since October last year,” he says. “When I qualify I will be one of the first chocolatiers in South Africa, which is pretty amazing.”

When Lucky was offered the opportunity to go to London by the City & Guilds Group and its Fellows, it wasn’t an easy decision to make… because he’d just been offered a job!

“I was about to tell my fellow classmates all about my job offer,” he says. “However the City & Guilds Group’s management board had visited our school, and asked our head teacher to select one lucky student to have the opportunity to go to London and work for three weeks, in three different placements.

“I was chosen, meaning I had to make the choice between my job and the opportunity in London.”

Lucky says he chose London “not only because I’ve never been on a plane before, but because it was such a great opportunity for me.”

It’s provided him with the chance to undertake placements with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; Claire Clark, the UK’s leading master Patissier, at Pretty Sweet(a high end Patisserie catering service); and “to top it all off, the world-famous Ritz in London”!

The experience Lucky’s gained with these three placements is certain to better his future prospects.

The experience in Lucky’s words…

Time at the Ritz:

“I feel so privileged to have been able to work at the Ritz. I’ve worked on the petit fours, within strict time limits, which was awesome – but so hard! I’ve made some life-long friends there and I’m so grateful they opened their doors to me!”

Time with Claire at Pretty Sweet:

“Working with Claire was really exciting. Forget steel – the woman is made of titanium! She’s given me some incredible, unforgettable experiences and some great advice. She’s shown me that you get out what you put in. I’d love to share a kitchen with her again.”

Time at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons:

“My first placement was at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons which was the friendliest environment that I’ve worked in. The pastry staff became like a family to me and the way they work has really shown me what it’s like to be part of such a happy team!”

Lucky has also got to meet well-known UK chef Brian Turner, who as a City & Guilds Fellow was responsible for helping Lucky secure these work placements.

Lucky says that during his three weeks he’s learnt so much from the experience, and from the people he’s met.

“In particular, I found out how vital and important it is to be a team player, stick to time deadlines – and of course work hard!

“This has been the best experience I’ve ever had, and I would love to pursue a career in the UK.

“I’ve had the opportunity to launch my future career, and I’m going to grab it with both hands.

“Talk about Lucky!”