Our Catering and Hospitality staff and students recently attended Rainford Village Hall to accompany top chef and local councillor, James Holden for a Gala Dinner in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III.
Nine students volunteered their time to work alongside James, preparing and serving a delectable four-course dining experience.
The College has a longstanding relationship with James, who is always eager to provide students with opportunities to showcase their talent and skills.
The event was a fitting occasion, as it was announced by the palace that the coronation celebrations would be marked with ‘The Big Help Out’, a chance to highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation with the aim of the weekend celebrations to bring communities together and create a lasting impression.
Decked in bunting, beautifully presented table settings and a menu fit for a king, the event was a huge success, with guests handing out plenty of positive feedback and a standing applause to the team of kitchen and service staff.
Dishes included a delicious pressed chicken and asparagus terrine appetiser, followed by an intermediate course of salmon and dill tortellini, a red wine jus and glazed root vegetable entrée, and finished with a with a classic bread and butter pudding.
Commenting on the success of the evening, Chef, James Holden, said: “I was proud to work alongside students and staff from St Helens College in preparing, cooking, and serving up the food for this occasion. A huge amount of appreciation to the College for supporting with this event - the students and staff were a real credit to the college. They are enthusiastic, committed, and talented individuals, who all worked together as a fantastic team.”
The dinner is one of many valuable experiences our students can participate in, allowing them to enhance their CV and preparing them for a career in the industry.
