FROM humble beginnings dreaming about being a chef while at school, a former Tavistock College student has been given his biggest opportunity so far — a job at the only two Michelin-starred pub in the world. Sam Garbett, 20, who has had previous experience working in top restaurants in Devon, is celebrating after landing a position at top pub The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire — owned by celebrity chef and broadcaster Tom Kerridge and his wife Beth. Sam said he had always had an interest in the catering industry, with his grandfather and cousin both working as chefs, also picking up a love of cooking from his mother Carol, and growing up enjoying big family dinners. Sam studied cookery at school and since then has notched up plenty of experience. 'While I was at school I worked at the Drake Manor Inn at Buckland Monachorum as a kitchen assistant,' he said. 'I left school at 16 and went to work at the Horn of Plenty as an apprentice. I was there for about nine months and got my level one apprenticeship.' From there, Sam studied for a diploma at Kings Road College in Plymouth, for three years, learning the basics, some French cuisine and learning 'front of house' — waiting and serving. While studying for his diploma, Sam got a job working at popular Plymouth restaurant Tanners. 'I worked there for almost two years as a pot wash and kitchen hand, doing various duties and prep work. I worked closely with James and Chris Tanner and learned a lot by watching them.' After a short stint of work experience behind the bar at The Rock in Yelverton, Sam worked at Gary Rhodes' restaurant Rhodes at the Dome in Plymouth. 'I started as a commis chef and after three months I was promoted to chef de partie. I worked with Gary Rhodes on three occasions and got offered to go out to work in Abu Dhabi with him — but unfortunately it wasn't the right time for me.' He then moved on to work as a demi chef du partie at Le Bistrot Pierre at Royal William Yard in Plymouth, where he is still working. Sam's new position as a demi chef du partie at The Hand and Flowers came by chance, as a result of his girlfriend pushing him to be pro-active. 'Working at a Michelin star restaurant is something I have always wanted to do. I've got friends who work at starred restaurants and it has driven me to do it myself. 'My girlfriend encouraged me to email restaurants, so I sent emails to five different places and got an email back the next morning from The Hand and Flowers offering me an interview. 'I was overjoyed and couldn't believe it. I had to keep checking they hadn't replied to me by mistake!' For the interview, Sam worked alongside the chefs in the kitchen from 9am to midnight, and met Tom Kerridge. At the end of the shift, he was offered the job, which he starts on June 24. He now has to get sorted finding accommodation and preparing for the big move, which includes leaving his girlfriend Beckie Freeman behind at university in Plymouth. Sam said if it all went well she would join him when she finished her course. 'This is a really big step for me but it is a big step in the right direction. They say to be the best you have to train with the best and this big step, with hard work and dedication, will hopefully pay off. 'If I think back to five years ago sat in DT Food at school, I would never have thought I would be where I am. I have improved massively and will hopefully improve more with this new job.' Sam expressed thanks to his mother, family and friends for their continued support, his lecturers at college and his girlfriend, who gave him the drive to apply for the job. 'It wasn't a job that was advertised, I just wrote to them to express an interest. If it wasn't for Beckie encouraging me to write to restaurants, I would never have got this opportunity.'