Mohammed Yousuf, known simply as Yousuf, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this month as he marks 50 years working on the railway. Yousuf began his career in October 1975 as a kitchen porter at London Euston, and five decades later, he celebrated the anniversary at the very station where his journey began, shortly after his 73rd birthday. Colleagues and friends joined him for a surprise party to mark the occasion.

After moving from Pakistan earlier that year, Yousuf started work at the British Rail-run ‘Lancastrian Grill’ in London Euston, the site now occupied by Avanti West Coast’s First Class Lounge. His passion for food quickly saw him promoted to chef, and in 1991 he began cooking on board trains. He initially worked on Intercity’s Motorail services, which carried passengers and their cars between London and Glasgow, and after the service ended in the mid-90s, he continued preparing meals on board long-distance trains.

Reflecting on his career, Yousuf said: “I have been so grateful to work with so many fantastic people over the years and I am fortunate to be doing something that I love every day. The railway has changed a lot over the years, but it’s the people that make it great – and I don’t plan to stop cooking yet. My advice to those who wish to join the railway is to give yourself time. Don't decide in two weeks or two months whether this is your job or not, give yourself longer – that's what happened with me. When I started on the trains, I was alongside three or four colleagues who joined the same time, but within two months they left. I stayed and I am so happy I did.”

During his time cooking in the First Class kitchens of the Pendolino fleet, Yousuf recalls a memorable encounter with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. “He wrote me a letter of thanks on a serviette, which one of the crew brought into the kitchen for me, and we were able to meet him and get a photo. To receive thanks from a chef like him was a fantastic honour,” he said. Paula Large, On Board Manager for Catering Support at Avanti West Coast, added: “Yousuf is such a pleasure to work with. He comes on the train every day with a smile on his face and he lightens the mood. He treats everybody so kindly, and it is fantastic that even after 50 years, he still loves his job. We are so grateful to have him on our team, and he deserves all the adoration for this amazing career milestone.”

Image: Avanti West Coast