Celebrity Chef Atul Kochhar Cooks with Guildford College Students

Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar visited Guildford College this week to give a unique cookery demonstration and provide lunch for a select audience, helped by Catering and Hospitality students.

A regular on television shows including Masterchef Goes Large and Great British Menu, Atul has two Michelin stars and was the first Indian chef in the country to receive this honour. He shared his love of his native Indian cuisine by cooking a range of dishes including Chicken Tandoori, Meen Moilee (seabass) and Tawa Prawns.

The demonstration was watched by customers and students in the College’s industry standard kitchens and also streamed live to an audience in the adjoining Parkroom Restaurant. At the same time, students from the College were preparing a range of Indian-inspired dishes for lunch. Following the demonstration Atul joined the student chefs to share some of his knowledge and experience. This lunch was then served to the watching customers, who later had the opportunity to discuss Atul’s cooking and inspiration whilst he signed copies of his books.

Atul said of his visit to the College: “I have always been passionate about education and training as this is a tough and constantly evolving industry. My mother was a teacher and my father a caterer. I first began teaching on my days off when I worked at the Tamarind Restaurant and try to get involved now in opportunities such as that provided today whenever I can”.

Student Simon Hess, who is currently studying Professional Cookery VRQ Level 2 Diploma said: “I really enjoyed the experience today. It was a bit nerve wracking being in front of the camera but it became easier once chef started preparing and cooking.”

The Parkroom Restaurant at Guildford College is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtimes and Wednesday and Thursday evenings during term time. For more information or to book a table Tel: 01483 44 85 88.