Michelin starred-chef Simon Radley launches kitchen academy

The Chester Grosvenor's Michelin starred-chef Simon Radley is to offer 10 apprenticeships through his newly launched kitchen academy.

Aged 16 to 24, the youngsters will be recruited by The Simon Radley Kitchen Academy to under-go comprehensive paid-training in the hotel's kitchens, where food is supplied to Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor restaurant, Parisian bistro La Brasserie, and all events. They will work towards completing an NVQ level 2 in professional cookery.

Radley said that the academy will provide the opportunity for enthusiastic young people to become gifted chefs of the future.

"I'm looking for hardworking, self-disciplined and motivated wannabe chefs who are prepared to show me their talent and go the extra mile," he explained. "Those lucky enough to be chosen will be matched with a mentor from my experienced kitchen team learning every aspect of my kitchen.

The five-star, 80-bedroom Chester Grosvenor already has an established respected apprenticeship scheme, in partnership with Cheshire-based provider Total People, which offers training and paid work to 16 to 24-year-olds. Radley has decided to increase the number of apprentices through his academy, in order to address the shortage of chefs.

Former apprentices at the Chester Grosvenor include sous chef Daniel Beech who has won the Craft Guild of Chefs accolade, senior sous chef Steve Worth who was promoted through seven ranks of the kitchen in just three years, and David Gilmore who is now executive chef at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.

The Simon Radley Kitchen Academy will launch with an open day at The Chester Grosvenor on March 11, from 2pm to 7pm. To register for a place at the open day, e-mail: kitchenacademy@chestergrosvenor.com.

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