Catering students from our @thirty-four restaurant were paid a visit by Lucknam Park’s Tom Westerland and two former Exeter College students for a charity takeover to support the college’s charities of the year.  

Lucknam Park Head Chef Tom trained and guided the students through a bespoke five-course menu; inspired by his own flair for local cuisine with a modern twist. Tom brought two former Exeter College students with him that he currently employs in his restaurant near Bath, to share their experiences of moving from being students to working in the industry.  

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused,”

Tom Westerland, Head Chef at Lucknam Park

The guests enjoyed their dining experience, and they managed to raise a fantastic £350 towards the college’s nominated charities for the academic year, Exeter Food Bank and Cancer Research UK.  

Tom said, “I want to show the students new food and allow them to try out something different.” 

“I think these experiences are really important for our young chefs; the main thing is to bridge the gap between work and college, but also to show them what goes on in the wider world.” 

Ian Biggar, the Lead Tutor for the Faculty of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, said: “This is an opportunity for the students to get on first name terms with a respected chef. We open them up to the industry, and that opens them up to employment opportunities.”  

After working with and employing Exeter College’s alumni, Tom praised the quality of the chefs produced at the Ofsted Outstanding college.   

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused. They’re absolutely outstanding,” said Tom.  

You can find out more about our front-of-house and hospitality courses at our next Open Event on the 15th of January 2020.  

Applications are open now to study at Exeter College in September 2020.