Westminster Kingsway College Played Host to the Launch of ‘The Chefs’ Forum’ in London attended by Pierre Koffman!

Westminster Kingsway College Played Host to the Launch of ‘The Chefs’ Forum’ in London attended by Pierre Koffman! CELEBRITY chefs and Industry Heroes gathered at Westminster Kingsway College to celebrate the launch of successful industry organisation, The Chefs’ Forum.

Founded in 2010 by Catherine Farinha, The Chefs’ Forum now holds regular chefs conventions from the Cotswolds to Cornwall as well as in Kent. The long-anticipated London Launch was a very proud day for all involved.

The London Launch was hosted by students of Westminster Kingsway College.  They were led and mentored by TV Chef, Arthur Potts Dawson and Allan Pickett (Plateau) to produce stunning canapés for an audience of future employers and industry idols.

The finest ingredients were donated by Chefs’ Forum Sponsors Walter Rose & Son, First Choice Produce and Turners Fine Foods.

Guests included Industry Hero, Pierre Koffmann, BBC Food Personality of the year, Cyrus Todiwala and a galaxy of Michelin-starred and acclaimed chefs from across London.

The day saw an excellent line-up of all things ‘chef’ and a great day was had by all:

Philip Tanswell of Cornish Sea Salt gave a talk to the culinary experts on Salt Harvesting in Cornwall and launched their new ‘Salt Flakes’.

Ruth Rogers, Co-Founder of the famous River Cafe narrated an excellent cookery demonstration by her Head Chef Joseph Trivelli. Guests were wowed by his fantastic dish of sea bass, cooked simply with tomato, basil and Tuscan olive oil on a gentle Cooktek Induction heat.

The room then fell silent as highly acclaimed haute cuisine practitioner Pierre Koffmann spoke of his life in the industry – The chefs were humbled by his stories of the professional kitchen and very much enjoyed a question and answers session with Westminster Kingsway students afterwards.

Geoff Booth, Assistant Principal of the School of Hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College said: “We are delighted to host the London launch of The Chefs Forum at Westminster Kingsway College. At the College, we work very closely with key figures from the culinary sector to ensure that our students have access to the latest techniques, innovations and developments in food. We welcome the visiting experts, culinary innovators, influencers and icons from the sector as they always help drive our students to develop their skills, knowledge and career aspirations.”

Top chefs from across London showed their support for forging stronger links with catering Colleges and enthusing the next generation of chefs and front of house professionals.

During the event the guests listened to an inspiring speech from Penny Moore, Chief Executive of industry charity Hospitality Action, which supports people who are working or have worked in the hospitality industry and now find themselves in crisis.

The canapés, showcasing ‘Old School: New School’ cooking techniques, served in the college’s Vincent Rooms Restaurant, featured a selection of sweet and savoury tapas dishes, prepared by Arthur Potts-Dawson, and fellow chef Allan Pickett who head up the London Chapter of The Chefs’ Forum with Founder Catherine Farinha..

Arthur said afterwards: “Today’s been great, and the students have done an amazing job, both in the kitchen and front of house, I’d like to thank them for making it such a success.

“I have been attending Chefs’ Forum events in the South West and have seen first-hand the great results achieved by education and industry working more closely together.  All great chefs should teach and inspire young people to contribute towards the next generation of hospitality professionals”

The London launch comes after the creation of a very successful regional model .  The Chefs’ Forum works with catering colleges and professional kitchens throughout the South West and South East.

Catherine Farinha, Chefs’ Forum Founder said: “It’s been a brilliant day and an extraordinarily successful event for The Chefs’ Forum and above all, a testament to the talented students at Westminster Kingsway College”.

 “I was delighted with the level of attendance at the event by some truly amazing chefs.  It is great to see the initiative being so well-received.  I really look forward to keeping the momentum going by staging quarterly chef events in London to showcase the most promising catering and hospitality students, enhance chefs’ skill-sets and share industry knowledge and best-practice”.

There will be quarterly Chefs’ Forum events in London from now on!