BUDDING chefs and future 'front of house' stars from Craven College were given an opportunity to work in the kitchen of The Devonshire Arm's Burlington Restaurant.

The students worked alongside the Burlington's head chef, Paul Leonard, to produce meals to be served up in the award winning restaurant at Bolton Abbey.

The students, who are studying for their diploma in culinary skills, are part of the Devonshire Arms' work with the development of the next generation of chefs.

They worked alongside Paul and four of his kitchen team to create a first class dining experience and were given a demonstration by Paul himself in preparing venison, from off the bone to serving it up, and another on how to prepare trout. They then worked on individual sections of the meal with Paul’s team of chefs.

Tutor Will Jacques and the students were delighted when two Michelin star Chef, Paul Cunningham, from the highly acclaimed Henne Kirkeby Kro Restaurant, in Denmark, popped in to speak to the students, wish them well and offer words of encouragement.

The students worked on canapes, chicken consommé (amuse bouche), cured chalkstream trout, loin of venison and baked egg custard tart.

Will said: ‘It’s brilliant for the students to be involved in such a great event. It opens their eyes to the global opportunities that are now open to them. It’s good for confidence and they all relished the buzz of working in such a pressurised environment, especially when they received so many compliments afterwards. The evening has encouraged three of our students to seek job opportunities with The Devonshire Arms."