TV chef shares recipe for success with Glasgow students

28th October 2014

Celebrity chef Brian Turner gave students a masterclass in cooking when he visited City of Glasgow College (28th October).

The event, held at the college’s Scholars Restaurant, saw 60 local business people, food and drink contacts and college staff attend a three-course lunch prepared and served by students, and overseen by the chef. In his role as an ambassador for Clydesdale Bank, Brian supported students in the kitchen and offered advice as they rose to the challenge of delivering the meal.

About 40 students took part in the exercise, with half based in the kitchen and the other half responsible for front of house duties. The menu, which featured West coast scallop pudding, noisette of lamb stuffed with chicken and wild mushroom and white chocolate and raspberry trifle, was specially created by Brian to showcase Scotland’s quality produce. It was also designed to help improve students’ technical skills.

Brian said: “I wish that I’d had the opportunity to work alongside people with experience in the industry when I was training. It helps students to understand more about the realities of working in a busy restaurant environment.

“I hope that I can encourage the students by helping them to work together as a team to create something they can be really proud of.”

Lauren Phee, a 19 year-old City of Glasgow College Professional Cookery Level 6 student from the south side of Glasgow, helped to make sauces at the event. She said:

“Working alongside Brian Turner is such an amazing experience and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to take part. I think it will look great on my CV as working at events like this shows employers that students are capable of working in a professional environment.”

Willie McCurrach, curriculum head for food at City of Glasgow College, said: “To get to cook with Brian Turner is a fantastic opportunity for our students. Working with a famous chef and TV personality will enable them to aspire to achieve more.

“Brian has supported young chefs through his work with Springboard’s Future Chef Competitions for more than 20 years.”

Food and drink is one of Scotland’s key growth sectors, worth over £13 billion to the Scottish economy and employing more than 360,000 people. In recognition of the sector’s growing importance to Scotland, 2015 has been designated the Year of Food and Drink. This year Clydesdale Bank renewed its strategic partnership with Scotland Food and Drink to help further support growth in the industry.

Stuart McCallum, head of food and drink for Clydesdale Bank in Scotland, said:

“As one of Britain’s best-loved chefs, Brian has a wealth of experience to share with the next generation of professional cooks. The City of Glasgow College event was an excellent learning experience for the students and gave them a chance to experience first-hand the challenges of working at the highest level of the hospitality industry.

“Clydesdale Bank is a proud supporter of Scotland’s food and drink industry and we’re pleased to be contributing to the development of its future workforce.”