A group of students took over a hospitality kitchen at Ipswich Town Football Club by hosting a dinner for over 130 people.
The youngsters are all chefs and hospitality trainees studying at Suffolk New College, and they cooked and served a three-course meal in the Sir Bobby Robson suite housed inside Portman Road.
The event gave a selection of learners on level 2 courses the chance to get a real-life experience of catering on a grand scale.
Many of the guests were industry partners and included people who work for iconic hotels and restaurants such as the Salthouse Harbour Hotel and the Bildeston Crown, giving the youngsters a chance to shine in front of their potential future employers.
One of those employers was Danielle Abreu from Gough Hotels, she said: “The night was amazing. It was great to connect with industry colleagues.”
The college also launched a competition for the general public, offering a meal for two.
One of the key sponsors was Reece Cleveley from Cleveleys Foods LTD – a family-owned catering wholesale company located just outside Halesworth that has been in business for 60 years.
Reece, who is a Business Continuity Manager, said: “We have worked with Suffolk New College for a long time. Our butcher came into the college to give students a masterclass a few years ago. They (students) could be our customers or employees in the future. It was a really good night.”
The Commercial Director for Ipswich Town Football Club, Andy Wooldridge, was also in attendance. He said: “It was brilliant. We work closely with the college. It’s great for us to develop talent both inside and outside of the club. I was impressed by the professionalism of the students and the quality of food and service. It was as good as any restaurant.”
Lynsey Wilson is the Curriculum Director for Land-Based and Culinary Arts at Suffolk New College. Lynsey said: “It was a chance for our students to show off their skills.”
Casey Cooper is a level 2 chef at the college. Casey said: “It was incredible to be involved in an event like this.”