At JollyHoli, we love stories about everyday people who accidentally stumble into extraordinary lives. Meet Alastair Gillott – a chef, DJ, and professional rule-breaker who went from getting kicked out of cooking school to running a culinary empire on a sun-drenched Bahamian island. His story proves that sometimes, the most “ordinary” paths lead to the most extraordinary destinations. That’s something to celebrate.
The Chef Who Wouldn’t Follow the Recipe
Alastair’s culinary career began with a single day at catering college—and a spectacular failure. Tasked with breaking down a chicken with 11 other students, he famously asked: “But there are only eight pieces… how are 12 of us supposed to do this?” His teacher’s response? “Get out.”
So, he did—and never looked back.
Instead of textbooks, he learned by watching, experimenting, and (occasionally) DJing his way across Central America. From washing dishes in England’s pubs to crafting bizarre-but-brilliant desserts (turkey-and-bacon ice cream, anyone?), Alastair’s career was never conventional. “People either loved it or thought I was mad,” he laughs. “But that’s the fun part.”
From Blackpool to Brazil and on to Viking Cruises
Life changed when Alastair, now a father, realized Blackpool wasn’t the place to raise his family. His Brazilian wife moved back home, and he followed—only to discover that chef salaries in Brazil were… humbling. Undeterred, he joined Royal Caribbean, where he quickly rose through the ranks, even earning a Guinness World Record for the largest pasta tasting at sea (457 hungry guests, three courses, and one very proud chef).
Then, the pandemic hit. Stranded in Brazil, Alastair noticed something odd: no one was selling chicken wings. So, naturally, he started his own wing business—only to shut it down when taxes and delivery apps “sucked all the joy out of it.”
But true to form, fate intervened again. A call from Royal Caribbean offered him a gig as Executive Chef on a private island in the Bahamas, where he spent many evenings watching sunrises over crystal-clear waters. He was overseeing 11 restaurants, and feeding thousands of happy vacationers, he’s now fulfilling his ultimate dream by working for Viking Cruises where his passion for cuisine, exploration and travel has found it’s perfect home.
Why Alastair’s Story Matters
Alastair’s journey isn’t about Michelin stars or celebrity chef status. It’s about a guy who kept saying “yes” to life’s weirdest opportunities—whether that meant DJing between shifts, inventing weird ice cream, or flipping wings in Brazil.
“Life’s just a series of moments,” he says. “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”
And really, isn’t that what we all want? A life that feels less like a rigid career path and more like an adventure—with great food along the way.
So here’s to Alastair, the accidental island chef—proof that the most “ordinary” people often live the most extraordinary lives.
