Lancaster apprentice chef joins hotel group’s culinary academy

An apprentice chef from Lancaster has joined a North West hotel group’s specialist training academy.

22-year-old Jake Hart is the latest recruit to train under the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy with hands on, practical experience in the busy kitchen at Lancaster House Hotel.

The training academy offers an apprenticeship and the chance for Jake to attain his Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications, whilst learning the ropes and developing a successful career path at the hotel.

Established in 2017, the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy offers fully accredited courses to train budding chefs whilst they earn a wage with the hotel group.  Jake will be working under the tutelage of group training and development chef Daniel Winstanley, who is an appointed member of The Master Chefs of Great Britain.

Jake graduated from Lancaster and Morecambe College with Level 1 and 2 qualifications in joinery, but has instead chosen a different trade.  He had already worked as a kitchen porter at Lancaster House Hotel, and that experience inspired him to seek a career in the hospitality industry.

“Working in a busy restaurant kitchen really fired up my enthusiasm for cooking,” he explains.  “I was told about the chance to train as a chef by one of the previous students on the course, so decided to apply and build a career in hospitality.”

Jake is also working with other Culinary Academy students Rubi Bray and Bryan Rojas Pinedo who are both sharing their experiences and supporting his learning.  Having completed his Level 2 and 3 qualifications, Bryan is now a senior chef de partie at the hotel.

Daniel Winstanley from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jake to the Culinary Academy. He’s already settled brilliantly into his kitchen brigade, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork.

“We’re especially excited to get Jake involved in our live cooking tent at the Lancaster University Christmas markets, where he and other apprentices will be showcasing their skills and exploring the diverse food cultures on offer.”

For further information about the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy, visit https://englishlakes.co.uk/the-culinary-academy/