Iconic Masterclass at Chewton Glen

Three colleges, a whole host of Dorset and Hampshire chefs and top suppliers to industry, all descended on Chewton Glen for a memorable employer showcase lunch on Monday 5th February.

Students from Eastleigh, Brockenhurst and Bournemouth & Poole Colleges were represented in The Kitchen at Chewton Glen, the informal eat, meet, and dine space overseen by TV chef James Martin. Along with chefs from hotels within the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, Executive Head Chef of Chewton Glen, Luke Matthews and Head Chef of The Kitchen, Luke Phillips ran the show along with Chris Hannon, Executive Chef of Cliveden House and Bradd Johns, Executive Chief of The Mayfair Townhouse.

Catherine Farinha, Director of The Chefs’ Forum, said: “This showcase of talent from Iconic Luxury Hotels was brilliant. Chewton Glen, Cliveden House, and The Mayfair Townhouse all demonstrating why they are at the top of their field and with exemplary students from three colleges taking part, the chefs created a fantastic lunch for our prized guests. The important work of showcasing the group to the next generation of talent was assured.”

Clive McNish, General Manager at Chewton Glen said: “We were delighted to work alongside The Chefs’ Forum on this impressive event. We were not only able to showcase our kitchens to students, chefs, suppliers, and guests but to give a glimpse of what we can offer at Chewton Glen. It was a memorable day for everyone, and we are grateful to all the chefs who took party in making this event such a success.”

Sue Lyons, Head of Delivery – Hospitality/Travel/Health & Fitness and Public Services at Eastleigh College said:

‘It was a privilege for our students to be invited to this event to work with Chefs from across the Iconic properties, students from the other two colleges as well as two ex-Eastleigh students that are full time Chefs with Chewton Glen.  We already have an excellent relationship with Chewton Glen but was lovely to work and meet chefs from the other properties.  All of our 6 students had an amazing time and enjoyed the whole experience and days like these are so important to both the students and tutors.

Paul Dayman from Bournemouth & Poole College said: “Chewton Glen and Cliveden House Executive Chefs are role models for our student chefs and along with The Mayfair Townhouse it was amazing to be able to see how the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection operates together. The students had a brilliant day and could see an easy route to the level and the standards they must aspire too. Well done to The Chefs’ Forum.”

Cathy McArthur, Catering Lecturer at Brockenhurst College said:

“I was delighted to see two of our students win both Front of House (Imogen Allen) and Back of House (Daisy Boreham) Star of the Day.  Industry events like these are so important for students to work with their peers from other colleges and fantastic employers like Chewton Glen.  We have built a longstanding and successful relationship with Iconic Luxury Hotels and really enjoyed catching-up with our teaching peers from Bournemouth and Poole and Eastleigh College.”

The lunch in full:

Welcome Drink
Brown Brothers Innocent Bystander Moscato

Canapés by Saucery served on handmade wooden boards by Richkins Woodcraft

Starter – Bradd Johns (The Mayfair Townhouse)
Artichokes with celeriac, shitake, and mushroom ketchup

Fish Course – Chris Hannon (Cliveden House)
Poached cod, parsnip, taramasalata and lime

Main Course – Luke Matthews (Chewton Glen)
Somerset Beef cheek, horseradish, kale, and heritage carrots Luke’s main course was plated on Wedgwood Gio fine bone china dinner plates

Dessert – Luke Philips (The Kitchen at Chewton Glen)
Dark chocolate and amaretto mousse, candied almonds, sour cherry carpaccio, dark cherry, and basil sorbet

Wine Sponsored by Brown Brothers – Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris and Innocent Bystander Syrah

Produce kindly sponsored by New Wave Seafood, La Chasse and Dole Foodservice.

 Photography & film by Carlos Farinha.