Derby College Students Organise Charity Banquet

Catering and Hospitality students at Derby College are organising a fund raising banquet inspired by the characters from Roald Dahl’s books at the College’s training restaurant in Pride Park on Thursday June 22

The Engine Shed restaurant at the College’s Roundhouse campus will be specially decorated with themes from the authors famous books, students will dress up in characters to serve diners.

The six course taster menu has also been inspired by book themes from ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ drinks on arrival to ‘James and the Giant Peach’ crème brulée to finish the evening.

There will be music and magic entertainment as well as a raffle and silent auction to raise money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation which funds research into the treatment of spinal injuries. It was founded by former top chef David Nicholls after his 18-year-old son Daniel became paralysed from the neck down in a swimming accident.

A wide range of items have been donated by local businesses and by celebrity chefs including former Derby College student Sat Bains and Prue Leith.

Derby College Lecturer Steve West explained: “This has been a great learning experience for the students which will hold them in good stead for their future careers in the catering and hospitality industry.

“They have learnt a wide range of skills from costing and planning to team work and marketing which are all vital employability skills in our diverse industry.

“I was delighted when they chose to support NSIF as I worked for David Nichols at the London Intercontinental Park Lane as an apprentice many years ago and he is an inspirational person both in and out of the kitchen.

“David is now Food and Beverage Director of worldwide Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and is still well connected in the industry. 

“As well as a wide range of local businesses donating for the raffle and auction, we have some great books and items donated by some of the most iconic names in this industry.

Tickets cost £20 per person and can be booked by emailing engineshedrestaurant@derby-college.ac.uk or calling 01332387487.

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