More than 100 top chefs and industry professionals descended on the home of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most prestigious brands at an event which gave college students the chance to showcase their skills to and work with famous names.
Renowned chefs including international pastry consultant and Bake Off: The Professionals judge Cherish Finden and Mark Walsh, Head Chef of Hogarths, helped students from Stoke-on-Trent College to create an afternoon tea in the kitchen at World of Wedgwood, in Barlaston.
The event was organised by foodservice marketing platform The Chefs’ Forum and attended by chefs and industry professionals from all over the country.
Pastry chef Cherish told Daily Focus: “I am delighted to be able to impart my skills on the younger generation and it has been heartwarming to work with people so keen to learn.
“My work isn’t just about creating food, but creating food that is memorable.
“A lot of people know how to make a ganache, but not how to take it to the next level.”
Ten students were given live work experience on the day, split between the kitchen and front of house roles.
Students worked with the chefs across a range of sweet and savoury delights including seared Aussie sirloin tart with Mark and a tart with Cherish featuring the renowned world chocolate brand Varlhona served with ying yang sesame brittle, soya sauce ganache and Dulcey caramel.
Other chefs passing on their expertise in the kitchen were Vicky Goodwin, Head Chef at World of Wedgwood, Tom Everard-Fairburn, Chef Patron at Two Brothers Bakery and Bake Off: The Professionals contestant, and Thomas Leatherbarrow, Chef Patron at The Leatherbarrow Corporation.
Vicky said: “The students got an insight into catering they couldn’t have got elsewhere.
“They worked hard, and I think it has really inspired them.”
Student Scarlett Finney added: “It was great to be able to work with professional chefs in a professional kitchen.”
Guests also enjoyed a VIP tour of the historic factory and a drinks reception laid on by Six Towns Distillery and Bar, based on the site.
Chris Bend, Head of Hospitality Sales at World of Wedgwood, said: “With the new hospitality openings we have had on the site in the past few years, the improvement to the tearoom and awards it has won it is good to connect with other people in the hospitality industry and give the professionals chance to come and experience it.”
Cherish added: “I love World of Wedgwood. The factory is inspiring, mind-blowing, and I have a lot of respect for the people working there.”
That is my son Adam on the picture and he loved every minute of it here. And also working with the proffesionals. He really loves doing this course at collage we are so proud of him and how well he is doing. Keep doing what your doing Adam. We will always be so proud of you.
I loved working with the Wedgwood team and would love to do it again