A CHEF has gone back to school to inspire the next generation of budding culinary connoisseurs .

Windermere-based chef Daniel Winstanley paid a visit to a secondary school to teach pupils top tips for careers in the catering and hospitality industry.

Mr Winstanley, who is a head chef from the English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues ‘Culinary Academy’, held the drop in session at Cockermouth School as part of a drive to recruit the next generation of budding chefs.

Delivered in partnership with Kendal College, the Culinary Academy offers a fully accredited two year apprenticeship programme for school leavers over 16 to train as commis chefs. The course allows students to hone chef skills whilst earning a wage with the hotel group.

As part of the school visit, pupils were charged with the task of making a range of dishes after portioning up a whole chicken. This included saute chicken chasseur and poached ballotine of chicken.

Cockermouth School teacher of food & nutrition Ms Felmingham said: “It was great to meet Daniel and hear him talk so enthusiastically about life as a chef, as well as allowing the pupils to get involved in some food preparation techniques. We are all genuinely grateful to him and the students genuinely appreciate the experience they had!”

Daniel Winstanley adds: “This was a highly enjoyable session with the pupils of Cockermouth School and it gave them the chance to see how the job works with a practical, hands-on experience.

“The Culinary Academy gives youngsters the chance to train, earn and learn with us. Our aim is to nurture local, ‘home-grown’ talent and give them that all important first step on the career ladder. "Those who enrol with us get to work with our team of head chefs across our venues and follow online course modules to attain the requisite qualifications.”