News / Better Bristol
‘There’s no point moaning about a chef skills gap without trying to change it’
Bristol24/7 hears from foodie experts from across the city on why it is so important to inspire the next generation of chefs. Next in the series is Elliott Lidstone, head chef and co-owner of BOX-E, Wapping Wharf.
“Like so many other chefs of my generation, I went to college at 16 to ‘do’ catering. I’m not dismissing that experience and the role that college should play, but it was only when I started working in a real kitchen that I learnt what cooking was really about. Initially, I worked part-time alongside college, followed by a stage in France for the last six months of my training.
“18 is young to be working full-time (and then some!) but if you have a passion for cooking, then you’ll know that there are few places you’d rather be than a professional kitchen. Quite quickly a kitchen brigade can become your family too. There is no better place to learn than on the job, often being thrown in at the deep end.
is needed now More than ever
“Our kitchen at BOX-E is tiny but we decided before we opened that we’d like to help a young chef with ambition to forge their way into the industry with our help. We’re really happy to have signed a contract with City of Bristol College to take on our part-timer, Liam, as an official apprentice, and being involved in the Bristol24/7 programme is great too.
BOX-E
“There’s no point moaning about a chef skills gap without trying to change it.”
Elliott is one of the industry experts lending his support to Bristol24/7‘s foodie programme, set to inspire the next generation of chefs.
He joins Sam Sohn-Rethel, co-owner of Bellita and award-winning food educator Barny Haughton, who is leading two-day long workshops in early November.
Following the workshops, the team of 12 young people will take part in the preparation and delivery of Bristol24/7’s Autumn Feast on November 16, with up to 150 guests present for a very special night of food.
During the programme, the young people will also get the chance to meet some of Bristol’s star chefs, including Elliott. The chefs will be on the lookout for new talent, with exciting opportunities and apprenticeships available at some of the city’s best foodie hot spots.
Young people (aged 16-25) who are interested in getting involved in the programme should attend the taster session on October 18. For more information please get in touch with Bristol24/7‘s Partnerships Manager caragh@bristol247.com.
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