Chichester College students bring the Caribbean to West Sussex

Chichester College students gave guests and a special VIP a taste of the Caribbean recently.

Last month, catering & hospitality students organised a Caribbean night at the college’s 64 Restaurant – where they created and served a mouthwatering menu.

The guests, who included staff and regular customers as well as family members of the students, were joined by The High Commissioner of Saint Lucia to the UK, HE Mr Anthony Severin OBE.

His Excellency was delighted to return to the college, after previously visiting in 2023, and was interested to see how the students had crafted their exquisite dishes. The menu was inspired from their recent work experience visit to Saint Lucia, organised with the Caribbean Elective with support from the Turing Scheme.

The students drew on the skills and knowledge acquired during their time on the island, adding their own fusion twists to the menu which included dishes such as Jerk chicken, salted cod, red snapper and choux pastry buns filled with banana and rum compote.

Amber, who is just finishing her second year at the college, said: “It’s been a great evening. It’s been awesome to work as a whole class and be able to come up with our own ideas and see the vision in process.

“The trip to the Caribbean was one of the best experiences we’ve had, it was fantastic so this feels a bit full circle.

“We’ve worked together as class for two years, with the same teacher as well, and if we look back at where we started, all the experiences we’ve had since then, and now this is one of our last services at the college before we all go our own separate ways into our careers. It’s just a nice way to end the two years.”

Guests spoke glowingly of the dishes served by the students.

Reg and his wife are regular customers to 64 Restaurant. He revealed: “It’s been wonderful. The food has been great – just the right amount of spice! We’ve enjoyed our night out.”

Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, added: “Our students have once again outdone themselves with their wonderful Caribbean-inspired evening.

“They have worked incredibly hard, creating and serving a truly outstanding selection of dishes. What a way to end their course.

“We were privileged to be joined by His Excellency Anthony B. Severin, who spoke highly about the evening. In his words, ‘the students did an excellent job to present dishes from Saint Lucia to create a fine dining/haute cuisine experience.  More importantly, they were able to infuse the flavours into each interpretation very well.’

“His Excellency commended the leadership team at Chichester College for their efforts in going beyond the classroom to develop mature, well-rounded students. The High Commissioner also stated that he is looking forward to many more students having similar, positive life changing experiences in Saint Lucia.”

Harry Spear, Co-Founder of Caribbean Elective, was also present at the event and was delighted: “It was incredible to see how much the experience in the Caribbean impacted the students and to see them glowing as they recalled their favourite memories.

“We have loved working with Chichester College and hope to give this life changing opportunity to more students next year.”