Food for Thought

Posted at 9:51 am on 23rd June, 2022

The Alan Hotel Hosts Year 10 Food Students

On 15th June, Year 10 GCSE Food students had the opportunity to visit The Alan Hotel, accompanied by Mrs Partridge and Mrs Taylor. 

  

There were many highlights, from walking through China Town and seeing the arch, a tour of the hotel's new rooms and facilities, careers guidance and advice from the Head of People & Culture, then to top it all a Chef's Table experience with Chef Ian.  

Chef Ian discussed seasonality, sustainability, food miles, plating up, vegan and vegetarian diets, costs and pricing and then the ultimate treat, the tasting of many delicious small plates.

  

Students tasted truffled mac cheese with aged parmesan, Goosnargh confit chicken thighs, tomatoes several ways and a wonderful baba ganoush with flatbreads.

They also tasted Yorkshire Fettle salsa. You may know this better as feta cheese, but to reduce food miles The Alan procure it locally.  Students were interested to learn that due to protection regarding provenance, it cannot be referred to as feta!

  

Mrs Partridge, Assistant Principal and Teacher of Food, said:

“We were truly spoilt, especially as truffles are £650 a kilo, I think we went through half a kilo in the mac cheese alone!”  

Students  were able to put their theory into practice and discuss the palatability of the dishes, their textures, aromas and the appearance of the dishes themselves.  It was all invaluable research for their NEA2 Practical examination to be completed in the Autumn term of Year 11.

Mrs Partridge added:

“It was wonderful to see the students engaging so well, and asking pertinent questions about CVs and Interview skills; they were polite and wonderful ambassadors from start to finish.  “They were all inspired by the Chef and are already keen to experiment with local, seasonal produce to reduce their own food miles back in our kitchen at school.”

The trip was made possible, due to our engagement with the Hoteliers’ Charter and The Hospitality Commitment.  This was an initiative launched to develop and improve the reputation and image of the industry to schools and to attract new talent into the Hospitality industry.

Feedback from the students was outstanding:

"It was the best; I suggested that the hotel add the food miles saved to their menu, because this is a real selling point.  The Chef's experience was so good because Ian was able to explain sustainability to us." 

Jack

“Julita's advice about CVs and interview skills made me think and I am looking forward to my own work experience this Summer." 

Kian

 "The chef was able to answer my questions about how he cooked the chicken dish, this is something I will try at home now."

Zach

"I learnt about lifestyle brands and the importance of influencers in the Hospitality Industry."

Ben

Mrs Sharrock, Principal, said:

“We would like to thank The Alan Hotel for their hospitality and support of our students on their visit.  The experience was invaluable and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the future.”