Hospitality students at Tresham College’s Corby campus were recently given a unique culinary experience as Royal Navy catering staff visited The Manor Restaurant for a week of interactive cooking sessions and challenges.

The visit gave students the opportunity to work alongside experienced Navy chefs and gain an insight into the culinary standards and discipline required when catering for crews at sea.

Throughout the week, students observed demonstrations and took part in practical cooking activities. Working alongside Royal Navy chefs, the students developed their technical skills, teamwork and confidence while gaining valuable hands-on experience and a greater understanding of the standards expected within the catering industry.

Tresham chefs

The highlight of the week was a special ‘Around the World’ tapas-style evening service, where students worked with Royal Navy chef and Catering & Hospitality lecturer Brendan Hulse, in the college’s onsite Manor Restaurant kitchen to prepare dishes inspired by around 15 countries, spanning starters through to desserts.

The restaurant welcomed 40 guests to sample the one-off menu.

George Robson, Able Rate Catering Service with the Royal Navy, said:

“It’s fantastic to be at The Manor House, sharing our skills with young people. We have been with them all week, culminating in the tapas night, and we have been extremely impressed by their professionalism. They have asked some fantastic questions and shown a real eagerness to learn from us and hear about our experiences working on ships. They have been a pleasure to work with, and we have really enjoyed our time working with them and the fantastic staff here.”

Andrew Robinson, Programme Manager for Hospitality and Catering at Tresham College added:

“The Royal Navy have been visiting the college for a number of years to deliver recruitment presentations and take part in cooking activities with our students. After their visit last year, we spoke about the possibility of them spending a full week with us working alongside the students during restaurant sessions. It’s been a brilliant experience and the students have really enjoyed learning from the team.”

Collaborations such as this form an important part of the college’s approach to hospitality training, ensuring students have opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals. By bringing experienced chefs into the classroom and kitchen, students gain real insight into career pathways and the skills required to succeed in the hospitality sector.

Find out more

If you would like to book a table at The Manor Restaurant, please call 01536 413334 or email: manorhousebookings@bedford.ac.uk

To learn more about the Hospitality and Catering courses offered at Tresham College, visit: https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/subjects/hospitality-and-catering/

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