15 May, 2015
Bromley College students team up with top chefs for
BR6 charity dinner
Students at Bromley’s Hospitality, Food and Enterprise Career College teamed up with six celebrity chefs and a leading restaurant manager last night, to prepare and serve a charity dinner to over 50 people.
The six-course dinner featured dishes prepared by each celebrity chef, with assistance from the students, ranging from just 14 to 19 years old.
Front of House service was led by Bunmi Okolosi who partners James Walters, at the Arabica Bar and Kitchen. Amongst his many previous positions Bunmi formally managed the front of house team at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner restaurant. James, who has been nominated for the prestigious Catey Newcomer Award 2015, prepared a range of canapés
The exciting line up also featured:
Starter – Enzo Oliveri, better known as the ‘Sicilian Chef’, top restaurateur and TV personality
Fish course – Richard Kirkwood, head chef at the Wright Brothers, Spitalfields
Meat course – Sean Searley, head chef at the Quality Chop House, London
Pre-Dessert treat and amuse – Alan Irwin, head chef at the Vine, Sevenoaks
Dessert – Rob Mclearly, represented by Jennifer Moseley, the Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell
The Career College students worked incredibly hard, impressing the chefs and producing and serving some outstanding dishes including crab claws in Sambuca, pan fried hake, middle white pork and a jasmine tea brulee. In addition, different wines accompanied each course.
Guests included representatives from local and national hospitality and catering businesses, members of the Career College advisory board as well as members of the public.
Top restaurant manager, Bunmi Okolosi, said:
“The students performed incredibly well tonight. Helping to prepare and serve a six-course banquet is not easy and it certainly was a great experience for everyone involved.
“BR6 is a fantastic place and there is some serious talent among the Career College students. I am delighted to support the work Bromley College is doing here to prepare the workforce of the future for the hospitality industry. There are many exciting opportunities available in our industry and it’s vital that young people are aware of these.”
Richard Kirkwood, Head Chef at the Wright Brothers, Spitalfields said:
“It is so important for employers to get involved with colleges and work with the young people who really are the future of our industry. We need to ensure they get exposure to real-life work situations, which ultimately will give them the passion and drive to succeed.”
Student Jessica Jenkins (17) from Orpington said:
“I was really nervous tonight as I have never done anything like this before. Being taught by people who are at the very top of their industry is just amazing and a great experience for us all. I came to the Career College as it offers opportunities like this, which you just wouldn’t get anywhere else.
“I definitely want to pursue a career in hospitality and will be doing another year here.”
Scott Freeman, Head of the Hospitality, Food and Enterprise Career College said:
“This event at BR6 has been a real success and the students behaved brilliantly. It was great to have so much support from the local community.
“I am also extremely grateful for the amazing support we have had and indeed, continue to get from the top employers. Our students are fortunate enough to be learning from top industry names and this is certainly not something that happens in your average school.
“I am proud of the progress these students have made this year. BR6 is a great place for them to learn not only about preparing and serving food, but about operating a commercial venture. This experience combined with their academic studies will set them all in great stead for their future careers.”
Speakers at the event included chef Shaun Searley on behalf of Action against Hunger and Astrid Wears-Taylor on behalf of Hospitality Action.
A raffle also took place, with prizes generously donated - including a meal for four at the Dorchester Grill and a meal for two at Allan Pickett’s Piquet. There was also a secret auction, with bids being made for a two night stay at the Park Plaza Hotel in Victoria, including dinner.
All proceeds from the evening went to Hospitality Action and Action Against Hunger.
A further charity night will be taking place at BR6 on 9th June 2015. Celebrity Chefs and patrons of the Career College, Chris and James Tanner, owners of the Kentish Hare – will be cooking up a feast. To book a place, go to http://br6-restaurant.co.uk
There are opportunities to enrol at the Career College and gain the hospitality, food and enterprise skills thatour current students are gaining. For more information see: http://www.bromley.ac.uk/school-leavers/food-enterprise-career-college-welcome/
ENDS
For more information and images about last night’s event, please contact Sarah Newman on 07779 719199