Former Student Makes Successful SALT Co. Poole-based Private Chef and Chocolatier Business

Christian Ørner (yes - the ø makes him of Norwegian heritage), is a Heston Blumenthal fan living on the outskirts of Poole. He trained at Bournemouth and Poole College, graduating with a Diploma in Professional Catering in 2008, going on to work on cruise ships, a 125m luxury mega yacht, a sailing ship and several fine-dining restaurants; several of which have Michelin stars. 

In February 2017, Christian decided to go it alone and set up SALT Cø. Private Chef and Chocolatier to be able to cook his own food and be able to set up a name for himself in the hospitality world. 

The business name, he explains, is because salt is an integral ingredient to all cooking – both savoury and sweet. The ‘Cø.’ is multi-functional. It stands for ‘cooking’, ‘company’ (both business and company of friends and family around the table), ‘corporation’, but it is also his initials, Christian Ørner.

Christian draws a lot of inspiration from Heston Blumenthal and says of him: “I am a big fan! I’ve eaten at The Fat Duck twice now and both times I have been blown away by the whole experience! I highly recommend it to everyone! “And -with his mix of Northern European and English heritage incorporating as well French and Italian cuisines - Christian too, does like to be a little quirky of his own, and he specialises in unique and unusual dishes. 

Whilst we were in Christian’s kitchen, he made a chocolate mousse element for the chocolate dessert he was making for his clients ready for that evening. SALT Cø specialises in Bespoke 7-Course Tasting Menus as well as 5-Course Dessert Tasting Menus in both a specifically designed and built Chef’s Table in Upton. It can also be cooked in the comfort of your own home. 

Whilst there, Christian was also preparing his signature ‘amuse bouche’ (pre starter) ‘SALT Cø. ‘Cornetto’, a savoury ice cream with truffle and skyr yoghurt (which we got to try, de-lic-ious!), a smoked rib-eye, as well as making a fresh pasta course. Christian has a penchant for fish dishes and for chocolate dishes, and when asked if he had ever put the two together, said a distinct ‘no’. 

Christian says of his time at Bournemouth and Poole College: “I loved my time there. I lived right down the road from the college itself and there were great teachers. I was a full-time student, and with a more guided approach to the teaching experience and I learned a lot to set me up for what I do now. Nearly twenty years on, I’m still in touch with some of the students I trained with. They were a great bunch, too, and many are still cooking.” 

Christian works his specially designed and built Chef’s Table kitchen in Upton, which is conveniently next to his house. 

Christian employs a small team of 4. He has a sous-chef Lily, who initially impressed him with her black forest gateau, and Graham who does bespoke drinks, there is also Lozza who helps organise things and most importantly Laura, Christian’s wife to-be who obviously is the ‘main boss!’. Christian says Laura is the brains and he is “the Braun that makes it all happen”. 

The SALT Cø. website (see links at the bottom) states: “We specialise in cooking modern French, British, Mediterranean and Scandinavian foods; bringing together my Norwegian and British Heritage as well as my favourite cuisines. We then come to you to cook, serve and do the washing up as well.” 

When training Christian did some work experience and was told by one of the chefs that: ”Cheffing is 80% cleaning and 20% cooking”. Running his business now he can confirm it is more like 10% cooking and 90% cleaning! But he doesn’t mind, since he very obviously makes no secret of the fact that he loves his job!

Outside of work, on the rare occasion he gets some time off Christian is also an experienced sailor who loves spending his spare time in his boat.  As well as spending time with his partner Laura and their cats Freya and Loki. 

For more information on Christian’s work with SALT Cø. you can view his social media at:

@salt.co.chef (Facebook) @salt_co_chef (Instagram).