Chris Thornton Class of 2003

A taste of the good life

When Chris graduated in 2003, he already knew — in broad strokes — that his future lay in food. Cutting his teeth in the school kitchens as part of his Hospitality elective in Years 11 and 12, as well as using real-world kitchens as part of Newcastle Grammar School’s work experience program, Chris discovered a passion for food, and for the fast-paced world of hospitality.

After graduating from NGS, Chris completed a culinary apprenticeship and Advanced Diploma in Commercial Cookery in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. “As an apprentice I was lucky enough to win multiple competitions, culminating in the Brett Graham Scholarship, which took me to London to work at The Ledbury — one of the world’s top restaurants.”

Following several years at The Ledbury, Chris returned to Newcastle where he took on his first role as Head Chef, before opening the renowned Restaurant Mason in 2011, regarded as one of the top regional restaurants in NSW. Deciding to take a break from the ‘always on’ lifestyle that operating a hospitality business demands, Chris and his team decided to close the restaurant in 2022.

Reflecting on his culinary career, Chris says “I was lucky enough to work with some incredible mentors and peers [who] continually pushed and inspired me to chase excellence.”

Chris has taken his career in a new direction, putting his work ethic to good use in the mining sector. You can still find him in the kitchen, though, catering private events and working with charities. “[I love] the opportunity to cook for people in their homes, and to be able to interact with them on a personal level and talk about food and wine.”

Recalling his time at Newcastle Grammar School, Chris is grateful for the opportunities that the holistic curriculum afforded him. “NGS put me in a position to find my true passion which was cooking”, he says. “It was the connections that I made whilst receiving my education that have helped me the most along the way.”

Chris is happily married with three young sons and is involved in junior rugby coaching. When he’s not on the sidelines or in the kitchen, he enjoys exploring the country with his family in their caravan. Asked if he has any advice for current students, he says “find something you’re passionate about and commit yourself to excelling at it. If you love what you do, it’s easy to get up for work every day.”