Eleny Wood

My career in the culinary world began as a pastry chef at Purnell’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant, right after graduating from UCB’s Culinary Arts Management course. The precision and creativity of fine patisserie shaped my approach to food, setting a high standard for everything that came next. From there, I moved into food product development with Greencore, a major retail manufacturer. For over six years, I designed seasonal and limited-edition ranges for leading coffee chains such as Starbucks, Costa, and Caffè Nero, creating everything from hot pastries to cold grab-and-go offerings. This experience gave me invaluable insights into large-scale manufacturing, product design, and the fast-paced demands of the retail sector.

At UCB, I bring my unique industry perspective into my teaching, and I teach a wide range of modules. Thanks to my vast professional network, I regularly bring in guest speakers to give UCB students a taste of how the industry works on the inside. In my classes, I encourage group work and interactive tasks and foster a collaborative environment where students can learn from each other as well as from me.

Having completed the Culinary Arts course myself, I’m passionate about inspiring students to explore all the possibilities the course offers. It’s particularly rewarding to work alongside lecturers who once taught me. Their influence shaped my career, and I strive to offer the same encouragement and guidance to my own students. I relish in seeing students grow in confidence and ability, and in watching them develop a genuine passion for the food industry.

Outside of the kitchen, I channel my creativity into painting, drawing, and gardening. I’m a fan of TV shows such as Clarkson’s Farm. My favourite quote comes from Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”