Five former students of Havant & South Downs College (HSDC) who now work at Angela Hartnett establishments returned to the College to cook a four-course meal for members of the public.
Oscar Holgado, Ollie Holgado, Henry Smith, Jake Smithers and Becky Edwards worked alongside current HSDC Catering & Hospitality students on Wednesday 23 May at the South Downs Campus restaurant.
Oscar attended the College between 2005-2008 and completed NQC Level 1, 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery, and is now head chef of the restaurant Murano in London.
He said: “I left College and went on to work experience at The Fat Duck which Iain Baillie set up for me. When I was there I met Angela Hartnett and told her what I was doing, and I ended up working for her in 2008.
“I started working with her on the opening day of Murano and I worked there for a few years. I also had the opportunity to work with Marcus Wareing and Simon Rogan. I then went to Australia and did some travelling and now I am back in London working with Angela as head chef of Murano.”
Oscar continued to talk about how his time at Havant & South Downs College paved the way for his successful career.
He said: “The best thing I got out of my time here was the work experience. The opportunities that the College can give you in terms of contacts and that first step into the industry is amazing.
“You can see from all the pictures in the restaurant, the opportunities are incredible.
“What I liked is that everyone is treated as adults and as individuals. If you put your all into this course, Iain and the rest of the staff will really appreciate that and help you on your way.”
Other alumni that came and cooked for the public on Wednesday included Ollie, who works at Breid Bakery, Henry, who works at Murano, Jake, who works at Merchants Tavern, and Becky, who works for Merchants Tavern.
The four-course dinner included a ricotta and spinach tortelli, monkfish with white asparagus and camomile and apricot Mille Feuille.
Oscar added: “The students have been very polite and hands on. Any task they have been shown they have got on with.
“Coming back is great, Iain I see more of a friend now than a lecturer. I think it speaks volumes to the College that there are so many staff still here ten years after I left.”
For more information on Catering & Hospitality courses at HSDC, click here.