A BOLTON chef, who has worked for footballing legend Ryan Giggs, has launched a new takeaway service delivering gourmet comfort food.

Joe McLeod, 27, started his career in hospitality aged 14 and has honed his skills over the years at prestigious and Michelin starred restaurants including Northcote Manor in Blackburn, The Manor House in Castle Comb, and Stanley House Hotel and Spa in Mellor.

Most recently, Joe worked for the ex-Manchester United winger as Head Chef at George’s of Worsley, before striking out on his own as Mcleod 9 Private Dining, offering private dining cooked in the comfort of his client’s homes.

Joe, who lives in Smithills, said: “When lockdown happened I found myself out of work.

“It’s such a shame for chefs - I know people with Michelin stars who are now working in cafes or as painters and decorators. It’s sad because we’ve all worked so hard, but that’s why I’ve set up my own thing because I didn’t want to give up and I always wanted to work for myself.”

Alongside McLeod 9 takeaway, which offers the likes BBQ wings and chilli loaded nachos, Joe has now also launched McLeod 9 At Home, which sees him deliver restaurant quality meals in a box to his clients, which they then prepare at home.

“We’ve tried to adapt with a range of different prices,” he said. “For me it’s about sitting together at the table so I wanted it to be affordable and homely.”

When the Government’s ‘rule of six’ guideline came in, Joe faced a raft of cancellations for his ‘private dining’ service, forcing him to also come up with the idea of starting a cookery school offering culinary courses.

“It’s really taken off,” he added. “I think it’s the time people are spending at home where they want to broaden their skills.

“I want to get through these tough times, build our reputation and eventually open a restaurant. It’s my ultimate dream.”