Independents by Sodexo teams up with celebrity chef James Tanner

13 July 2015 by Katey Pigden

Sodexo has signed up celebrity chef James Tanner to its independent schools business, Independents by Sodexo.

Tanner, who owns four restaurants in Plymouth and the south of England with his brother Chris, will be an ambassador for Sodexo's "fresh food from scratch" ethos.

He will be on hand to share his expertise with Sodexo's chefs, offer advice on sustainable sourcing and to visit schools for live food demonstrations and events.

One of the first projects he will be working on with Sodexo is a sustainable fish initiative inspired by Tanner's relationship with his fish suppliers in Looe, Cornwall, who catch mixed species daily, resulting in no waste and no damage to the ocean.

Sodexo will use its own fish supplier Direct Seafood to create "catch of the day" specials.

Tanner will also put together signature seasonal fish recipes using species caught off Looe for school chefs to follow.

Jeremy Alderton, managing director, Independents by Sodexo, said: "We're really excited to have James on board. He shares our passion for sustainably-sourced, seasonal food, and will help us deliver ever more innovative and exciting menus to our 70-plus schools."

Tanner said: "Independents by Sodexo has a great ethos and I've been impressed by the team's commitment to educating pupils on the benefits of eating healthily and sustainably. I am looking forward to working with executive chef Tom Allen and his fantastic team, as well as working with students to get them excited about food and cooking."

Over the last couple of years Independents by Sodexo has won a five-year contract at Wycombe Abbey School, a seven-year contract at the Licensed Victuallers School (LVS) in Begbroke, Oxfordshire, a five year contract with the Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton, Middlesex and, most recently, a three-year contract with Brentwood School in Essex.

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