Exclusive Hotels Chef Academy open for applications

Exclusive Hotels and Venues is seeking applications from rising star junior chefs to its Exclusive Chefs' Academy, which launches this summer.

The academy will offer a two-year intensive training programme for nine aspiring chefs, who will be given the chance to work in the company's six restaurants and conference and banqueting facilities.

There they will be able to draw on the experience of three Michelin-starred chefs: Michael Wignall at Pennyhill Park, Matt Gillan at South Lodge, and Richard Davies at the Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, as well as Denis Drame, the recent recipient of the Master of Culinary Arts in Pastry.

Andy Mackenzie, executive chef of 27 years at the group, will head the programme, which also gives trainees the opportunity to work alongside Steven Edwards (pictured), the champion of the 2013 series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

Mackenzie said he was very excited to be opening up the application process for the Exclusive Chefs' Academy.

"As a group of celebrated hotels and restaurants that puts people at the heart of its business, we have worked extremely hard to create a comprehensive programme that will both develop and reward our talented new recruits," he said.

"We're looking for spirited and motivated chefs who are up for the challenge - it's not going to be a walk in the park - and we're confident the academy will attract some great talent."

The full-time programme will combine on-the-job training in the company's restaurant and banqueting kitchens with a series of off-site supplier visits, supervisory skills workshops, team challenges and masterclasses.

Open to commis chefs with at least one year's experience, the academy will develop recruits to chef de partie level. Successful applicants will be paid a competitive salary and receive their own set of chef's knives, as well as a full uniform of chef's whites, branded aprons and appropriate kitchen safety shoes.

They will also be entitled to enjoy complimentary meals during working hours as well as discounts on accommodation and food and beverage across the group of six luxury hotels and venues in the South East.

Candidates can apply online now at www.exclusivehotels.co.uk/careers