8th February 2018

After making the final 10 in BBC Two’s Masterchef: The Professionals, Matt Campbell (Lakes-based private chef) and Ryan Blackburn (Chef Proprietor of The Old Stamp House), will be joining six other talented Cumbrian chefs to host an extraordinary dinner at Kendal College on Friday 23rd February. The group of local chefs, either alumni of Kendal College or student mentors, also features Martin Frickel (Forest Side), Arthur Bridgeman Quinn (The Punch Bowl), Scott Fairweather (The Black Swan), Mike Southcott (Café Ambio), Will Dickinson (a development chef for Greencore) and Andrew Postlethwaite (Three Hares). The eight decided to get together to host a fundraising dinner to ‘put something back’ and help raise funds to assist current Kendal College catering students in broadening their culinary knowledge overseas and developing themselves as chefs through exposure to other food cultures.

Every year, students have the opportunity to apply to join the College Culinary Team, an aspirational team of young people looking to gain valuable experience over and above their College course. Throughout the year, they work at high profile events and private functions to raise money for an inspiring end of year international trip. In 2017, the team travelled to Copenhagen, and previous students have visited San Francisco, Shanghai and Tokyo. The trip this summer to Madrid will include a culinary food tour, visits to prestigious hotels, and opportunities to experience the history, culture and sights of Spain’s capital.

Matt Campbell said: “I’m returning because of my love for the College and where I developed a passion for cooking. Being part of the Culinary Team ignited another passion for travel, as our trip was to Chicago – hence the reason why I became a private chef so that I could combine my love for both things. By returning to where it all began, I hope to show the current generation of chefs at the College what they can achieve."

“The students are hoping to raise £6,000 from the dinner, which will help fund their upcoming trip. They will also be working with the chefs on the night, all of whom are inspiring role models, giving the students a taste of what can be achieved within the sector and where they could be in 10 years’ time” said Richard Axford, Assistant Head of School for Hospitality.

Guests attending the dinner will enjoy an eight-course tasting menu, made and presented by each chef. An auction will also take place, with some fantastic prizes on offer including:

A meal cooked at home by Matt Campbell
Cook in the forest with Martin Frickel
Spend a day cooking at the Castle Dairy
Learn how to make & blow your own shot glass
And a variety of meals at the chef’s establishments

The generosity of local suppliers and businesses is also helping the students to raise their target. The current year group of students are becoming increasingly excited about what lies ahead.

Shona Faulder, aged 16, came to the College after finishing her GCSEs at Settlebeck School last year. She is studying Professional Cookery Level 2 and said: "I'm very excited about our trip to Madrid, I have never been out of the country before, and I can't wait to experience the different foods and the hot weather!"

Thomas Mallinson, aged 16 and previously at Appleby Grammar School, said: “I’m nervous about the night, dealing with so many people and working with such big names! But I’m also really looking forward to seeing their cooking methods and how they differ from my own.”

Kim Anupol Khaengrit, aged 17, came to the College from The Lakes School and is currently in his second year, studying Professional Cookery Level 3. He said: “I’m looking forward to meeting the chefs, getting to know their cuisine and seeing how they present and explain their dishes to the guests, I’m just looking forward to the whole experience!”

Edlie Syamsul, aged 18, came to the College from Central Lancaster High School and is also in his second year. He said: “I’m very excited to meet Matt Campbell from Masterchef, and learning skills and techniques from all the chefs.”

Demand for tickets for the event has been exceptional, and with the support of all involved, the students look set to raise funds needed for a truly inspirational trip this summer.