Catering students get a masterclass from pastry chefs from The Ritz

Catering and Hospitality students were treated to a masterclass by Lewis Wilson, Head Pastry Chef and Carmen Garrido, Senior Chef de Partie from The Ritz London this week.

Students on Levels 1, 2 and 3 had an exciting day observing how to make some of The Ritz’s signature Afternoon Tea desserts by Lewis and Carmen. They were also invited to get involved in making the desserts.

Lewis Wilson and Carmen Garrido showed the students how to make Cocoa Parfait, Spéculoos Ice-cream, Raspberry Macarons, Chocolate mousse and Exotic Mousse Lime Chatilly. The students also had a go making their own batch of macarons and tempering dark chocolate.

Head Pastry Chef, Lewis Wilson who’s been at The Ritz London for 17 and a half years explained that he and his team cater for five sittings of Afternoon Tea every single day with everything made in-house and covering all dietary requirements. Lewis also spoke about his own journey starting off as an apprentice and of the importance of continuously practising techniques learnt. He also encouraged the students to apply for work experience opportunities at The Ritz London.

Lewis was accompanied by Senior Chef de Partie, Carmen Garrido, who’s been at The Ritz London for three years. Carmen mentioned the various opportunities in Catering and Hospitality from restaurants to production and marketing.

Karin Freestone, Catering and Hospitality lecturer at Nescot said, “Thank you so much Lewis and Carmen for visiting us and spending time with our students. They had an incredible experience watching and participating in building the various desserts. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to get an understanding of the effort involved and attention to detail in creating the delicious desserts for Afternoon Tea."

For information on our Catering and Hospitality courses visit our website here.