Our next Open Event is Tuesday 4 March

Nescot's Catering and Hospitality students had an amazing experience taking part in cooking challenges set by visiting Royal Navy Chefs this week. The exciting workshops held over two days in the college kitchens, gave our learners the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and creativity.

Students from Levels 1, 2 and 3 including Initial Skills were tasked with preparing, cooking and presenting, two course meals in two hours. Our Level 2 and 3 students were set a mystery box challenge with a selection of ingredients and our Level 1 and Initial Skills students had to follow a set menu. They all rose to the challenge and produced some beautiful dishes - chicken Kiev with fondant potatoes, sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, fresh tagliatelle with a creamy garlic sauce, fresh choux pastry filled with fresh cream and fruit, pan fried chicken breast with a silky-smooth roasted pepper mash and grilled tender stem broccoli.

Following the cooking challenges, the Royal Navy Chefs judged the dishes on their taste, texture, appearance and technical ability for each level, selected winners and gave students useful feedback.

Stuart Winkworth, Professional Cookery tutor at Nescot said, “Our Catering and Hospitality students have benefitted from an incredible experience with the team of Royal Navy Chefs. A huge thank you to Leon, George and Ed for inspiring our learners and for their invaluable guidance and support. Well-done to all our student chefs who demonstrated great skills, creativity, communication and teamwork to produce some wonderful dishes. They have all enjoyed the experience and have gained some useful tips and insights from the Royal Navy chefs.”

Leon Hutchinson, LSC, Royal Navy said, “The team at Nescot have been so welcoming and the students have been fantastic! My team and I have had an interesting and enjoyable couple of days. The students have embraced the cooking challenges with enthusiasm and it’s been wonderful interacting with them and getting their feedback. They have all done amazingly well in the competitions, demonstrating some great skills and techniques and producing really good flavours.”

Our Catering and Hospitality students along with our Public Services and Travel and Tourism students also had the chance to attend a presentation in the college’s theatre to learn more about career opportunities and pathways in the Royal Navy.

If you’re interested in joining one of our Catering and Hospitality courses, visit our website to find out more here.