While new to the Head Chef position at Meals on Wheels, Alex Dowling is no newcomer to the kitchen. She has decades of experience on island and abroad and we are excited to welcome her expertise and energy.
In the 2001 Chef Search – organized at that time by Bermuda College, Fairmont Princess and Sonesta Beach Hotel – Alex was awarded a spot in their 4-year chef training programme. As she recalls, “A typical day would kick off with class from 7am to 1pm then I’d work in one of the sponsor restaurants from 1pm to 11pm.” She completed her training studying pastry in the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, CA – talk about the icing on the cake!
Since graduation, Alex has worked in the kitchens of the Hamilton Princess, The Savoy’s Simpson’s on the Strand in London, and Wickets at the Southampton Princess. She also spent 5.5 years working for Family Services as the house chef for two children’s care home in Bermudawhere she fed and taught the boys and girls to cook for themselves. During Covid she served as chef for the Somerset charity Open Your Heart. She has also worked at Thyme restaurant, the Bermuda airport and Westmeath. If she sounds a busy person, she is. Alex explains she often works two jobs and frequently drives a taxi.
In 2022 MOW reached out to Alex for assistance. Alex stepped in and found MOW to be a good fit coming on board full time in 2023 before acceptingthe role of Head Chef for MOW in June of 2025.
“Of all the places I’ve worked, I’ve really enjoyed my time cooking for my community the most. I have always been a caring and giving person, so this is a good fit. I love working at Meals on Wheels. It’s not just a job, I feel like I’m giving back.”
As busy as she’s been in her professional life, Alex also pursues her other activities with similar passion. Some may remember her as the first Bermudian woman to swim 100 meters freestyle in less than a minute earning her a trip to the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand. She is also a keen netball player and in 2019 took up billiards and recently participated in the 2025 VNEA World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada in Doubles, 8 Ball and Team competitions – “I didn’t place but I won a set of Dave Pearson sticks!”.
Well done, Alex, and welcome on board!