Training the Next Generation of Chefs
Good food and fine dining are an integral part of your hotel stay in the Lake District or North Lancashire, which is why English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues are investing in the next generation of young talent by training up a group of commis chefs.
Head chef at the English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Culinary Academy Daniel Winstanley tells us about their recent trip to a hospitality and catering event:
Our Culinary Academy offers a fully accredited apprenticeship programme with Kendal College allowing school leavers to train as commis chefs.
Giving our trainees opportunities to gain wider experience is a key part of our developmental aims. So we jumped at the chance to take our latest cohort down to the capital to attend the national Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Event at the ExCeL London exhibition centre at the Royal Victoria Docks.
This highly popular food service and hospitality industry event ran over three days and gave our trainees the chance to see the latest product innovations and professional catering equipment, as well as meeting suppliers, chefs and industry experts.
Over 1,500 food, drink and hospitality suppliers were represented there and over 100 talks, demos, shows and competitions were featured to showcase the latest products created specifically for hotels, restaurant and catering professionals.
The event was a solid foundation for the students to see all things hospitality, including some inspirational live demonstrations of culinary skills and innovative cooking techniques.
Our students came away with additional industry knowledge and insight, taking back what they learned to our own venue kitchens. It was a highly valuable industry experience on their way to attaining nationally recognised qualifications whilst they continue to work and earn a wage.
The trip to the London event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. So our thanks are due to Caterite, Althams Butchers, WMcClures, Bid Food UK and My Fish Company for helping us get there.