Sophie Ladgrove’s Chef Tip: Prep Once, Benefit All Day

Running a busy kitchen comes with its challenges – from staffing and sourcing to keeping costs under control. 

For Sophie Ladgrove, good prep is the secret ingredient to an organised and creative kitchen - “you can’t prep inspiration, but you can make sure it doesn’t get lost in the chaos.”

For Sophie Ladgrove, Head Chef at Veneziano Coffee Roasters(open in new tab), time in the kitchen is precious – and often the difference between a smooth service or one that doesn’t quite go to plan. To ensure she and her team always feel prepared, one of Sophie’s golden rules is to always “reset” the kitchen at the end of each day. Equipment is put back in place, benches are cleared, and prep lists for the next day are written while everything is still fresh in her mind. “Walking in to find everything ready to go saves time and stress,” Sophie explains. “If you’re scrambling in the morning, you lose efficiency before you’ve even started.” Sophie’s reset can take anywhere between 30 minutes or an hour depending on the day. 

Sophie applies this principle across every part of the kitchen. For example, fresh ingredients are trimmed and portioned, and proteins are prepped and stored in clearly marked containers. “Even simple things like pre-chopping herbs can save at least 10 to 15 minutes during a busy service,” she says. “Those small touches make a huge difference when orders are flying in.” 

Equipment checks are another key part of her nightly routine. Knives are sharpened and pots and pans are placed within easy reach for the morning rush. “I like to know that every tool my team will need is right where it should be,” Sophie adds. “It keeps the rhythm of the kitchen smooth and predictable.” 

Sophie also balances efficiency with creativity. While prep lists cover staples like sauces, bases and garnishes, she leaves room for flexibility on specials and seasonal dishes. “You can’t prep inspiration, but you can make sure it doesn’t get lost in the chaos,” she laughs. By taking the time to reset and prepare, Sophie ensures her kitchen is not just clean and organised, but ready to deliver food that’s consistent, fresh and executed with care – from the first bowl of steaming porridge to the last plate of the day.