Gastronomy, Game and Golf at Eastwell Manor

Top chefs from across Kent came together to enjoy an afternoon of gastronomy, game and golf at the latest meeting of The Chefs’ Forum on Monday (November 16).

Held at Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, the event gave the county’s culinary talent the chance to network and meet leading suppliers whilst giving learners from HIT Training the opportunity to work in a professional kitchen.

The afternoon began with a welcome speech by owner of Eastwell Manor Mr Turrloo Parrett and Catherine Farinha, founder of The Chefs’ Forum.

A drinks reception with canapés then followed, prepared by Byron Hayter from Eastwell Manor with the help of the learners – Ingredients were donated by Chefs’ Forum sponsors Turners Fine Foods and Koppert Cress.

Byron said: “It was a pleasure to have these young people working in my kitchen, all of whom showed great potential. The food that they produced was excellent and I am proud to say that it came from my kitchen.”

After the reception and networking event Byron then joined forces with his Sous Chef Richard Scutt to give a cookery demonstration showcasing dishes from his menu.

This was followed by a presentation on game butchery showing how to prepare and dress different game birds in the feather.

The event ended by giving guests the chance to show off their golfing talents on the hotel’s golf course with a prize awarded to the chef with highest number of stableford points over 9 holes. The winning chef was Joshua Hackett, Head Chef at Dunkerley’s Restaurant in Dover, who won lunch and golf for four people at Eastwell Manor and an Audi of his choice for the weekend, courtesy of Chefs’ Forum sponsor East Kent Audi.

Catherine Farinha said: “It is great to hear so much positive feedback on the work of the Hit Training Learners here today. The Chefs’ Forum is all about giving opportunities to the next generation of chefs and I think everyone would agree that today was a great opportunity for them.