Apprentice to ply its trade

The Apprentice, a restaurant staffed by students from the neighbouring Butlers Wharf Chef School in London, opened for business this week, just two weeks after the first courses started at the school.

Trainee chefs and front of house staff will use their work at the restaurant to gain practical experience and credits towards their qualifications.

"There are a variety of chefs and front of house staff working at the restaurant, from experienced chefs who are brushing up their skills at the college to those with limited experience," explained John Roberts, director of the school. "In that sense, it is very much the same as any other restaurant with staff of different levels."

Menus at the restaurant will change daily, ranging from modern British to Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine, to enable students to be trained in a variety of cooking styles.

The Apprentice seats 40 and average spend, excluding drinks, is £10-£12.

Until Christmas, the restaurant will be open from Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner. In 1996, it will open six days a week.