The Chefs’ Forum Academy at Weston College – A Great Start to the Year!

Three top chefs have visited the college in as many months since the start of the academic year in September to inspire and enthuse young chefs at Weston College.  The Chefs’ Forum Academy brings prolific chefs from across the South West into the college on the first Tuesday of every month to deliver cookery masterclasses in their individual cooking styles.

Now in its second year, The Chefs’ Forum Academy was launched at the college in September 2016 to enrich the learning of students at the college.  It is really important that students engage with local employers and industry experts to gain real insight into the world of work whilst still training so they are work-ready on leaving college.  Master classes that have taken place so far, this academic year have included ‘Advanced meat and offal’ with Ross Hunter (Backwell House), ‘Advanced fish and shellfish’ with Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Elly Wentworth (Lucknam Park) and ‘Advanced Game’ with Kuba Winkowska (The Feathered Nest).

The move to bring local chefs and experts into the college to work with the students serves to galvanise existing relationships with local employers and further-reinforce industry links for the college.

The Chefs’ Forum Founder Catherine Farinha commented:

“I am delighted that we have entered a second year of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at Weston College.  I see this project rolling-out to other colleges we currently work with. It is highly rewarding to see so many top-level chefs so keen to get involved with the programme of learning – A show of strength and support of this fantastic college and the staff and students who make it great.  The Chefs’ Forum prides itself on sharing industry knowledge and best-practice in catering colleges and The Chefs’ Forum Academy ensures top chefs continue to pass on their skills to the next generation, inspiring young chefs.”

This past year has seen industry experts, suppliers and top chefs working with students at the College to impart knowledge on diverse specialist subjects including butchery, pastry, seasonality, pastry, CV Skills, world food, game and foraging.

Le Manoir-trained local chef, Amy Hunt (Oak and Glass) is very much looking forward coming into the college this December to teach advanced pastry this month.  Her working under industry great Raymond Blanc will have taught her great skills which will now be demonstrated to students at Weston College.  2018 will see four further master classes covering vegetarian cookery, advanced meat and offal, poultry and game.