Meet Mo Salah's private chef who runs a restaurant in Darwen

Dan Jolley, who grew up in Blackburn, has had a whirlwind of a career, working in some of the finest Michelin Star restaurants in the world.

As well as this, Dan is the private chef to three Liverpool Football Club aces, including Mo Salah.

Despite his ventures around the world, Dan missed his home and decided to open an eatery right here in Darwen – CDJ Restaurant, which opened last year.

Dan Jolley, private chef for Liverpool striker Mo Salah, has opened restaurant in Darwen (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

Dan admits he only ever chose the home economics class at Darwen Vale because he ‘fancied’ a girl in the class.

But just a year later, he was offered his first job by Nigel Haworth at the coveted Northcote Manor.

Dan said: “My Dad had taken me to an apprenticeship day at Blackburn College and I turned up in a hoody and my jeans.

“I soon realised everyone else was smartly dressed, but I actually think it helped make me stand out.

“Nigel was there and he picked me out for an interview – he told me he was looking for someone who could rise to the challenge of working in a busy restaurant kitchen, under real pressure.

Some of the food served at Dan Jolley's restaurant in Darwen (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

“And just a few minutes later he offered me the job.”

Dan found his new-found passion for food at Northcote and he quickly won his first award - Young Chef of the Year - in 2007.

Soon after he was snapped up by the prestigious ‘The Square’ restaurant in Mayfair under the eyes of Phil Howard before Paris came calling.

Dan Jolley, private chef for Liverpool striker Mo Salah, has opened a restaurant in Darwen (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

Aged just 20, Dan became junior sous chef under two-Michelin starred chef Helene Darroze, at her restaurant of the same name - impressing her with his tenacity and faultless work ethic.

Dan said: “Helene was the best chef I’ve ever worked for and she inspired me immensely under her tutelage.

But, he missed home and after returning to the UK and bolstering his CV in head chef roles in more award-winning kitchens, a new challenge came his way.

Dan Jolley's restaurant in Darwen (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

The lifelong Rovers supporter said: “I’ve always been a football fan.

“When I saw a job advertised with the Fine Dining Team at Liverpool Football Club, I knew I had to go for it.”

Dan once again impressed with his culinary skills and today he’s the private chef for Liverpool aces Mo Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He prepares their meals in his new kitchen at CDJs, in Duckworth Street, a venture he admits he fell into on a ‘whim.’

Dan said: “I really wanted to do something really good and local.

Some of the food served at Dan Jolley's restaurant in Darwen (Image: Blackburn with Darwen Council)

“I just happened to drive past and see a ‘for sale’ sign on the building and before I knew it, the restaurant was mine.

“I really want people to be able to experience really good food right here on their doorstep.

“I’m determined to offer a level of food that will truly impress.”

And, just months in to his new venture, he’s done just that with rave reviews flooding social media and people travelling from across the area to sample Dan’s dishes.