Our catering students recently supported professional chefs at Dingley Dell’s BBQ competition, returning to College with yet another award to add to the collection!
The annual competition took place at the Universal Cookery and Food Festival, in Padstow and was well attended by locals and industry professionals. Level 2 and 3 Hospitality and Catering students Vicky and Rebecca teamed up with top-chef Russell Bateman and his team of well-known chefs Rob Kennedy and Eric Snaith. The team cooked some delicious food and won the competition for the second year running. Porthilly Oyster Coastal Herb Fritter and Aspall Caramel Crepe were just some of the dishes the students helped to make and serve. Taking part in competitions like the Dingley Dell’s BBQ gives students the knowledge and inspiration from professional chefs as well as experience in industry.
Rebecca, 18, enjoyed the event and would jump at the chance to do it again. She explains “Working with professional chefs was a great experience and a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills – they were happy to show me new things I hadn’t done before”.
In a separate team, Katrina and James who also study Catering and Hospitality, teamed up with professional chefs including Alan Paton and Matt Willby to cook more dishes such as seaweed cured BBQ mackerel.
Throughout the day the students had the opportunity to watch demonstrations, network with industry contacts and try new equipment used by professionals. Rebecca, took a shine to the knives she was able to try, and as a result they have now landed themselves a place on her Christmas list!
Greg Cheeseman, Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering explains “Getting students work-ready by working alongside professionals in the industry is invaluable. It’s important to show students what the industry has to offer and showcase what it’s like working in that kind of environment.”
To find out more about how the College supports its students into work or to learn more about our Hospitality and Catering courses, please 023 8091 1000 or email goplaces@eastleigh.ac.uk.
One of Eastleigh College's governors, Councillor Judith Grajewski, has been appointed Local Authority Director of Solent LEP. This Local Enterprise Partnership brings the business community together with the further education and higher education sector to ensure a prosperous and sustainable economic future in the region.
Eastleigh College has been awarded AoC Beacon Status in two areas, in recognition of its excellent support for students, and for the College’s work with employers, providing professional training and delivering skills to help grow the economy.