ASPIRING chefs have given James Purnell a tour of the kitchens at Tameside College, just days after they were presented with a prestigious international award.

The college, in Ashton-under-Lyne, offers a number of courses for students who are hoping to have a career in the hospitality trade.

And every day the catering and hospitality students put their skills to the test at the college’s own Reflections Restaurant, which is open to the public.

The college’s flagship restaurant is designed to provide students with the experience they need to perform well and to meet the demands of the catering industry.

And the success of the college has been recognised by the Association Culinaire Francaise (ACF), which has just presented the college with the Gilbert Lefevre Memorial Trophy.

The trophy is awarded to individuals and establishments who have distinguished themselves or who have contributed to the well-being of the association.

And staff believe they are the only FE college to have been honoured in this way by the ACF.

On Friday staff and students took time out to show Mr Purnell around the restaurant and the busy kitchens.

He was also shown the college’s bakery and the cafeteria style bistro, which is staffed by students.

Following the visit Mr Purnell said: “The facilities at Tameside College are impressive; both for students and the diners. I do think most people would be surprised to find a restaurant of such a high quality within a college.

“By offering students the opportunity to work in a professional standard restaurant, the college gives students the chance to gain a practical insight into what is a demanding industry.

“And the experiences they gain in the kitchens and front of house will mean they can hit the ground running when they leave college for the workplace.

“It is clear that students and staff put a great deal of effort into making sure the performance of the restaurant is as outstanding as possible. And I am delighted that their success has been recognised by the Association Culinaire Francaise (ACF).”

The trophy is named after Gilbert Lefevre, who was the executive chef of the Midland Hotel, in Manchester in the 1970s. He created the north west branch of the ACF and was the branch’s first president.

Published January 25, 2009