West Suffolk College Students Work with Michelin Starred Chefs at Cheltenham Festival

A group of West Suffolk College students have been saying “Yes Chef!” to the world famous Albert Roux at a top restaurant at the Cheltenham Festival where diners are paying over £800 for a day’s racing experience that includes luxurious dining.

The College is the only one in the country to be asked to work in the prestigious Chez Roux which is set up for the largest race meeting in Europe. Twenty one students have been through a rigorous selection process to work alongside the Michelin starred chefs Albert and Michel Roux Junior in a La Gavroche standard restaurant.

The students are enjoying a unique opportunity helping to create and deliver top level dishes to around 450 diners a day who are among the thousands of racegoers who attend Cheltenham every day.

Jaina Hall, from Lode., who is studying level three hospitality and events management, said: “ Working here at Cheltenham Chez Roux is the highlight of my course. It allows me to put into practice everything that I have learnt at West Suffolk College at this amazing venue. I can’t believe that diners are paying just under £900 each for their day!”

Jamie Moxon, from Rickinghall, who is on a level three professional chefs course is working in the kitchen alongside Toby Stuart a former student from the College. The highlight for Jamie has been preparing a delicious lobster starter – preparing 15 lobsters a day! “Where else would I get this chance to work to a Michelin standard? I’m loving the fact that I’m delivering food to 450 diners on a daily basis – it’s incredible,” said a delighted Jamie.

Hospitality Lecturer Mark Suddes, who is also working at Chez Roux for the week, said: “We are all running on the adrenaline and buzz of working with the best in the industry. This is a golden gift for our s students’’ CVs and further supports our commitment to ensuring our students are leaving the College work ready with the confidence and passion to succeed in the industry.”