Bath College students tutored by top pastry chef

Bath College Hospitality and Catering students have been lucky enough to be guest-lectured by top pastry Chef, Damien Wager.

Damien has been a Pastry Chef for over two years and owns and operates his own company, Edible Art Patisserie Limited.

Since joining the 4 AA red star, 2 AA Rosette Beechfield House Hotel in Wiltshire as an executive pastry chef, his stunning desserts have gained great acclaim and has led to him teaching others how to make his signature ‘edible fruits’.

Damien said: “The best thing I have found about working at Bath College sounds like a cliché and that I have been paid to say it, but it is genuinely the eagerness and willingness to learn I have encountered from the majority of the students.

“A vast majority of the students travel on average an hour to and from the college on a daily basis and that is portrayed in their work ethic also. I am sure it would be ‘easier’ for them to attend a college closer to their home, but the facilities and working environment obviously warrant that commitment each student has to attend Bath College.”

“I was sceptical about guest lecturing at first as I have encountered numerous colleges and hundreds of students across the UK over the past year, so I understand the strain that the lecturers are under on a daily basis, and this portrayal that it is a ‘wind down’ or a chapter that a chef undertakes in their ‘twilight’ years couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Each and every faculty member I have encountered in the culinary department run the whole operation like a high end hotel, from the ladies who organise and order in the supplies for the stores, right up to the lecturers who juggle practical, skills & theory lessons all in the same day.

“This role isn’t for the faint hearted or the chef looking for an easy ride!”

Bath College have been delighted to have Damien work in the Shrubbery restaurant kitchens.

Steve Bywater, Catering Lecturer said: “Damien has been an inspiration to both students and staff in the six weeks he has been with us, a real treat to have a masterclass type experience for our students for this length of time, what an amazing opportunity for learning”

The students have learned some incredible dessert recipes from Damien. To book in for a meal at the Shrubbery restaurant, call 01225 328502.