Delaware North inspiring future culinary stars from Newham College
Hospitality and foodservice provider, Delaware North UK officially announced an expansion to its college partnership programme this week, with the young students from Newham College.
The new partnership, which focuses on nurturing the next generation of chefs as they embark on careers in hospitality, launched at London Stadium on Tuesday 4th February with a stadium tour and practical culinary workshop led by Head Chefs Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable.
Newham College, which has campuses across the borough in Stratford, East Ham, Canning Town, and which has recently merged with Newham Sixth Form College to create one large institution in close proximity to London Stadium, offers culinary courses in hospitality and catering to aspiring chefs aged 16 and up.
Perfectly akin to Delaware North UK’s ongoing mission to offer practical experience and culinary opportunities for young people in the local community, Newham’s courses provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to budding culinary artists and hospitality professionals.
Gary Foakes, Head of Culinary Development UK at Delaware North UK, said: “We were proud to be able to open our doors to the future’s culinary talent from Newham College, and to whet their appetites for what a career in food and hospitality could look like for them.
“Former students and current Chef de Parties who rose through the Delaware North ranks at Wembley Stadium as part of a similar partnership with West Herts College have gone on to be some of the brightest and most exciting talent in our portfolio, designing menus at major events such as the FA Cup Final.
“It’s already evident from the flair we saw on display this week that there are some budding young chefs at Newham College, and we are excited to see who could be one of Delaware North’s future stars as part of this latest partnership.”
The workshop, which saw eight budding chefs meet with the food and hospitality teams behind the culinary magic at West Ham United’s home ground, were tasked with producing a finished dish, suitable for service within one of the stadium’s hospitality lounges.
Students had to tap into their imaginations and think quickly on their feet, planning out their dishes from start to finish from the selection of market vegetables, fruit, potatoes and dry store goods available. They were encouraged to consider taste and flavour profiles, seasonality, cooking techniques and final presentation.
Head Chefs Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable were on hand throughout the day to give help and advice to students at every stage, discussing everything from health and safety and food preparation to how they bring matchdays and special events at the stadium to life through food, drink, and great experiences.
“It was encouraging to see our students apply their talent in a professional work environment,” said Muhit Kashim, Careers Advisor at Newham College.
“Employer and college partnerships are so important in developing the next generation of talented individuals by enabling each person to achieve their fullest potential.”
Delaware North UK is committed to nurturing future hospitality and culinary talent through its college partnership programme. The programme is rich with opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the world of stadia and events, whilst ultimately bringing more young chefs into the exciting world of major events.
See more about Delaware North’s stadium venue partners, the homes of; Arsenal FC, Derby County FC, West Ham United FC.
