Students and staff from Wirral Met College’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts department joined a team of acclaimed chefs to take part in a charity, black tie, dinner event.
The ‘Take 6 Colleges Fundraising Dinner’ hosted at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield Stadium is held each year in aid of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt a School Trust which delivers food education to children hungry to learn, encouraging an enthusiasm and interest in food.
The event was headlined by six renowned chefs from across the North West. Chef Gary Jones was joined by Chefs Leigh Myers, Paul Askew, Paul Heathcote MBE, Ruth Hansom, and James Holden to provide an exquisite fine dining menu for those in attendance.
The star-studded evening was an invaluable experience for students to develop their skills and work along industry leading professionals.
Students assisted at the fundraising dinner over the course of two days, preparing dishes and helping the front of house team.
Those who were situated in front of house, worked along John Hollywood, Head of Learning and Development at Iconic Luxury Hotels, setting up tables ready for the arrival of guests, learning how to perform tasks on the bar, gaining knowledge on the menu, and the correct wine pairings for each dish, all whilst acting of a manner suited to a luxury, fine dining environment.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, our culinary arts students worked closely with Chef Gary Jones, former Executive Head Chef at two Michelin starred restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, preparing the scallop starter for guests, getting one-to-one advice and guidance, and experiencing first hand the techniques and work ethic that go into achieving two Michelin stars.
Later, students assisted in plating up the main course, alongside Chef Paul Heathcote MBE, owner of Heathcote & Co.
Students concluded the evening with the clean down, ensuring that hygiene and cleanliness were met to the high standards set by Anfield.
The fundraiser was able to raise a total of £30,000 for the Adopt a School Trust, money which will help to reach more children through their programme of interactive learning. A fantastic achievement from all involved.