Reformed alcoholic plans hospitality school

Areformed alcoholic chef is planning to set up a hospitality school in France aimed at training drug addicts and the disadvantaged.

Mark Gautier, who has worked at the Savoy hotel in London and the Waterside Inn at Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire, said: "Alcoholism is something that I went through with the trade and it's partly because of the trade that I had it. Now I look at all people who have problems and I say,'I know you can get better. I'm a living example to these kids who are doing drugs. Look, you can give it up and do things.' "

Gautier has been ambitious since his recovery. Now he is course director of hospitality and catering at Hammersmith and West London College. He was inspired to open a school while teaching 15 trainees chosen under a similar scheme by Jamie Oliver. The trainees will eventually open their own restaurant and their experience has been filmed for a Channel 4 documentary, due to be screened in October.

Gautier's proposed school is at the Hotel des Etrangers in Pierrefonds, France. Students will study cooking and hotel management, leading to NVQ qualifications. Thirteen places will be free with £40 a week spending money. Gautier added that taking the trainees out of their present environment would be beneficial in combating their problems. The school will employ a professional counsellor.

Gautier is confident of getting Government funding, but is inviting sponsorship from the industry. A fundraising evening will take place at the Radisson Grafton hotel in Warren Street, London, from 7pm to 10pm on 12 September. Interested sponsors can also contact Liana Gautier on 0776 6664172.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 5-11 September 2002