Chichester College students impress top chef

Chichester College hospitality and catering students were out to impress last week, with an inspiring visit from chefs from The Dorchester – one of London’s most prestigious hotels.

Tom Booton – executive chef of the recently re-launched ‘The Grill by Tom Booton’ – and Tom Woodruff, garnish chef, travelled down from London to ‘take over’ the college restaurant for the evening, delivering masterclasses with students and working with them to create a sumptuous three-course meal. 
 
Tom Woodruff, who is just 18-years-old, was particularly thrilled to be returning to his former college, where he found his love for the hospitality industry. 
 
He said: “It is just so great to be back where it all began and give these students the tips and tricks which allowed me to work my way up to The Dorchester.” 
 
The Grill at The Dorchester opened more than 93 years ago and, this month was relaunched with a new name – The Grill at Tom Booton! 
 
Tom said: “It has been such a whirlwind experience for my career as a chef but one of the most important elements to my success is my staff. 
 
“And, coming to a college where there are so many determined young chefs waiting for their shot, brings me joy just knowing that some of these students could be the next generation of great chefs. 
 
“I hope to see some of these faces in The Grill one day, after all – a chef is only ever as good as his team.” 
 
After a full-on day of training and guidance with the two Toms, the students successfully delivered a three-course meal to a total of 60 guests. 
 
The menu provided a selection of canapes, a cold starter of crab celeriac, a warm dish of chicken leg, a main of pork fillet and was rounded off with a dessert of cookies and cream choux buns. 
 
Guests were delighted with not only what the menu had to offer but the atmosphere and service the students delivered on the night. 
 
Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, said: “What a truly fantastic experience for not only our students but also all of the guests who got to enjoy such delicious food which was made to such high standards. 
 
“We are extremely thankful to both Toms for supporting our students and showing them exactly where their studies can take them.”