Cookery school students get practical experience at Somerset House
Three students from Leith's School of Food and Wine joined the catering team at Somerset House in London last month to get a taste of working in a professional kitchen.
The initiative is part of a new educational programme designed in conjunction with event caterer Leith's, which was founded by Prue Leith and is a division of Levy Restaurants UK.
It seeks to place students in kitchens across a range of UK venues, to complement their education with first-hand professional experience.
The students worked at Somerset House's on-site restaurants including Tom's Kitchen, Tom's Deli and Pennethorne's bar, alongside helping with large scale private events.
They were tasked with delivering dishes such as roast tenderloin of pork, spring cabbage and roasted heritage carrots and poached Cornish brill pea and mint sauce, with garden herbs and mint oil. Desserts included apricot Bakewell tart and chocolate millionaire's shortbread.
Camilla Schneideman, managing director at Leith's School of Food and Wine, said: "This fantastic partnership allows our students to put their cooking skills to the test in a live service environment, cooking for discerning customers at the historic Somerset House right in the centre of London.
"One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing students come to us as keen home cooks, and leave to launch their own businesses, work as food stylists and writers, and take jobs as chefs at some of the country's best restaurants.
"This initiative bridges the gap between the Leith's diploma and the real world of restaurant cookery, and our students have found it hugely inspiring."
Richard Robinson (pictured), Levy Restaurants head chef at Somerset House, added: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the students from Leith's School of Food and Wine into our kitchens.
"The level of technical ability and skills they displayed, under the pressure of delivering a service to our customers, was incredibly impressive. All three students have a bright career ahead of them and I'm delighted that we were able to help support their education."
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