Bridge of Allan restaurant, The Meadowpark, has turned its kitchen into a temporary classroom to help nurture the next generation of culinary talent from nearby Wallace High School in Stirling.
Led by head chef Jesse Spears, The Meadowpark has teamed up with the school to offer seven cookery students hands-on experience in a busy working kitchen, in preparation for the Springboard FutureChef competition – the UK’s biggest school culinary competition.
Over the last four months, Spears has mentored the group of 14 and 15-year-olds, including giving them a series of cookery masterclasses at The Meadowpark.
With Jesse’s support, student Olivia Dixon (15), has won the local final of the Springboard FutureChef competition and also competed in the regional final for Scotland.
Springboard FutureChef is a national schools-based programme that aims to inspire young people to pursue a career within the world of hospitality, supporting students to build industry based culinary skills and knowledge, as well as connecting teachers and students with industry professionals – like the kitchen team at The Meadowpark.
Spears said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to support one of our local high schools and be able to inspire young people looking to kick start their career in cooking and hospitality.
“Over the last four months, we’ve been so impressed by the talent, enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the students involved and look forward to working with Wallace High School in the future.
“This initiative has definitely helped demonstrate how hospitality is a viable long-term career option for high school students.”
Wallace High School offers the SQA Practical Cookery course to senior pupils, which is a natural pathway onto HNC/HND in professional cookery at college.
Winning student Olivia Dixon said: “My time working alongside The Meadowpark team was amazing. Throughout my experience I learned so much from head chef Jesse and his team, from different cooking techniques to formulating different dishes.
“It couldn’t have been more fun. I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities The Meadowpark team has given me.”
Head teacher at Wallace High School, Scott Pennock, said: “Wallace High School has been delighted with the support and partnership we have received from Jessie and The Meadowpark team for our young people as part of this process.
“Pupils have had an excellent insight into the creativity, commitment and multiple demands that all shape the final product in a busy, challenging and exciting kitchen environment.
“We look forward to our young people being inspired to develop skills in this key sector through future partnership working and incredibly grateful for the support they have received.”
Home economics teacher Grant Stobbart added: “Having enjoyed a career of 16 years in hospitality and now my new role as a teacher of Home Economics, I’m extremely passionate about promoting careers in hospitality to the next generation.
“The partnership with The Meadowpark and the support of Jesse in particular has been incredible at showcasing hospitality to our pupils who have taken part in the competition. We’re hopeful that this is just the start of a fantastic partnership moving forward and we can shine a positive light on the incredible careers available in hospitality.”
The Meadowpark is part of the Edinburgh-based Signature Group, which operates over 20 bars, restaurants, hotels and a brewery.
