Bulli for you – Norfolk chefs' perk is visit to top eaterie

Chefs at a restaurant in rural Norfolk are being offered an unusual perk - lunch at celebrated Spanish eaterie El Bulli, outside Barcelona.

Paul Whittome, chairman of 160-seat restaurant The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, is buying the lunch for five of his team as an educational treat next month.

The chefs will, however, have to pay for their own flights.

Head chef Neil Rutland said: "El Bulli's Ferran Adria is probably the best chef in the world right now. It's nice to be given the opportunity to see what he is coming up with."

The chefs are hoping they will also get the opportunity to look round the kitchens at El Bulli.

A further foreign fact-finding mission is planned for September.

Whittome is organising, and picking up the tab, for all eight of his full-time chefs to fly to New York for a few days and try out as many different cuisines as possible.

Rutland said: "We are going in two groups, as obviously someone has to stay behind and run the restaurant."

Whittome said he was a strong believer in chefs learning from what is happening in other kitchens, and believes the trips help to develop their expertise.

by Rachel Jolley

Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis