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Prestigious Michael Caines Academy Celebrates Successful 10 Years at Exeter College

Designed for budding head chefs and those aspiring to a career in front of house, the Exeter College Michael Caines Academy gives students the opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s best. On 21 June, the College celebrated the Academy’s 10 year anniversary with a special evening dedicated to students past and present and to its patron, Michael Caines MBE.  

This competitive Academy provides students with a mix of challenging practical and theoretical workshops, with high profile experiences and masterclasses from leading chefs to promote excellence in hospitality and catering. The Academy now boasts over 160 graduates with a 100% pass rate. 

Michael Caines MBE DL, said; 

“We had the vision 12 years ago to start the process of setting up the academy and we now have 10 years of graduating students, many of them making an impact on the industry. It is the right thing to do; to pause and reflect and celebrate the achievements of all these students but also the Colleges achievements in having the vision to set the academy up. The academy has been part of the excellence that has been created here for students.  

“Cooking with the students at the dinner here in the College is a very special moment for me, for the graduating students, the parents and guardians, and of course the lecturers that have all added their enthusiasm and passion for nurturing this generation of students that have come through the College.”   

Speaking about the Academy’s success, he said; 

“It takes partnership and commitment, that’s why we have an Outstanding College here, that’s what makes colleges Outstanding. Going that extra mile for their students – it does not surprise me that Exeter College continues to grow because its focus on excellence across all the areas and the celebrations make students feel like they have been a part of something special, which of course they have. It’s a very proud moment for us all.” 

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said; 

“As an ex-student and Patron of the College, Michael fully understands the ambition and ethos of the College. In working with us to create the Michael Caines Academy he has embodied our pursuit of excellence.  

“He is an aspirational role model for all our young people, not just those who have an interest in hospitality. His passion, energy and dedication mean that students at the College have benefited not just from his talent and expertise, but from the partnerships and networks that he has so successfully cultivated over his career. Oxford and Cambridge are often identified as the pinnacle of academic study, for me the Michael Caines Academy has set the same bar, but for the technical discipline of hospitality and catering. 

“The opening of the world class Lympstone Manor has also created new opportunities for the students on the Academy. The thing that makes this Academy different is that Michael has not just added his name, he has invested his knowledge and time, which has made a massive difference to the College and our students.  

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his amazing and ongoing contribution to the College, his wisdom and energy have ensured this partnership has been a sector leading success. The people in the room tonight are absolute proof of that.” 

During the evening guests were treated to a special three course meal, prepared by Michael and the first year Academy students. Alumni were invited to stage to talk about their experiences in the Academy and what they are doing now before graduating students were presented with certificates. 

Grace Blake-Grove, 2023 Michael Caines Graduate, with Bindu Arjoon, Exeter College Chair of Governors and Michael Caines MBE

Grace Blake-Grove, graduating student, said; 

“My time at the Academy has been exceptional, from the things I have learnt to the amazing lecturers and young chefs on the course with me.  

“A huge highlight of the last two years was our course trip to Italy. Surrounded by all my friends, culture, and great food, it was not only an educational trip but a moment we could all bond over. 

“Though I am sad to be leaving, I hope to gain a place at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, where I completed my six-week work placement this year, an opportunity I was fortunate to have received thanks to the Micheal Caines Academy.” 

John Brimacombe is pastry chef for Acleaf at Boringdon Hall, who were recently awarded a Michelin Star. Speaking about his favourite memories of the Academy, he said; 

“A lot of the trips were genuine fun, you become really good mates with your class. When you go to some of these incredible places, for example we went to Lucknam Park, it is a great experience with not only industry leaders but your friends as well which is pretty enjoyable. 

His advice for students looking to work in the industry is; 

“Just question everything and enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, there is no point. Have fun. There are easier jobs out there, but they aren’t as rewarding.” 

Michael Caines MBE in the kitchen with Michael Caines Academy 1st year students.

Part of the success of the Academy is also due to the staff at Exeter College who work to deliver Michael’s vision and support the students through their time at College.  

Ian Biggar, Programme Lead and Tutor at Exeter College, said;  

“The opportunities this partnership with Michael has provided to our students is invaluable. It means we can be as confident as possible when they leave us that we have provided them with everything they need to succeed.  

“The passion and drive that Michael and the team here instil in our students will see them through even the toughest days of their career.”  

Paul Carne, Programme Lead at Exeter College, said; 

“We are incredibly lucky to have worked with such a variety of talented students over the years who have gone on to do exceptional things and make a real impact on the hospitality industry.  

“Thanks to the passion of Michael and the commitment from the College, we know this will continue and we are excited about what is to come.” 

Congratulations to all our graduating students. This year’s students are; 

  • Bethany Addicott  
  • Oliver Ashfield-Donaldson 
  • Grace Blake-Grove  
  • Meg Burnell 
  • Ellie Fairchild 
  • Talia Hutchings 
  • Freya Hole 
  • Sophia Joakim 
  • Joshua Power 
  • Joe Sandham 
  • Isobel Simpson 
  • Jasmine Timms 
  • Tomasz Waszkiewicz 
  • Maddie Webb 
  • Bryher Wilson

Thank you to the sponsors of this event, without their kind support, events like this would not be possible. 

Exeter College @34 Restaurant Receives Highest Possible Accolade with an AA Highly Commended College Rosette 

Exeter College’s fine dining @thirty-four restaurant has achieved the highest accolade for a college restaurant having recently been awarded a Highly Commended AA College Rosette. 

The AA College Rosette Scheme, developed by People 1st International and AA Hotel Services, recognises college restaurants for the quality of the food they produce and the level of service they deliver. The scheme has been designed to reflect current industry trends in the realistic working environment that college restaurants provide.  

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said; 

“Our vision as a College is to be exceptional and this is truly an exceptional achievement.  This recognises the excellence that I see from the whole team in @thirty-four and while it would be a great achievement for any restaurant, for a College restaurant to reach this standard is sector leading.   

“I would like to congratulate the staff and students on this stunning achievement. They have created a vibrant, passionate, and relaxed dining experience which is now highly regarded in Exeter and beyond.” 

The staff and students behind the restaurant were subject to a full restaurant inspection, held to the same standards as other local restaurants and hotels. They were tested on their menu and wine list knowledge as well as the quality of the food and service. 

Level 3 Supervisory Hospitality student, Victoria Ames would like to be a Maitre’d when she leaves College. Speaking about the inspection, she said; 

“I supervised the service on that day, so I showed them to the table and talked a little about the restaurant before I brought over their waitress for the evening. I do rounds to ask people how their food is, and I stopped at their table once or twice. It’s just nice being able to talk to people like that about the things we do here and nice to be recognised for it too.” 

Speaking about what she will take away from the experience, Victoria said; 

“It’s the little things that count, giving that extra attention to detail and making sure they get the best experience dining here.  

“At Level 1 I was very shy, now I am Level 3, and I can’t stop talking. College has really bought out the good side in me. That’s something I think people would benefit from when they do this sort of course. It’s not just about cooking or serving people, it’s about building your own skills and it is wonderful. It’s the best experience I’ve had in my life so far, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m very happy here.” 

Dylan Fewings is studying for an NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery, and was in the kitchen on the day of the visit, he said;  

“I was on the starter section, responsible for the cauliflower soup and the chicken terrine. The experience was quite stressful due to the variety of dishes on the menu and things like chicken terrine are quite complex. 

“My lecturer and I tasted the dish and decided it was quite rich and needed something acidic to cut through. It’s helping train my palette as a chef and learn about the balance between dishes. 

“After College, I am moving to London. It’s where I want to be to learn my next steps as it’s such an exciting place to be when you are a chef. The end goal is to own a restaurant or to be as high as possible in an amazing kitchen where I am cooking good food and have happy customers.” 

The final report mentions several “WOW” moments including; 

“Quality of the food, some strong dishes, showcasing sound technique and clear flavour definition.” 

“A very enjoyable dining experience, underpinned by pride and purpose.” 

“A very supportive learning environment.” 

And finally; 

“Great value and good to see a busy restaurant.” 

Tracey Bennett, Head of Faculty for Hospitality, Hair, and Beauty said; 

“I am immensely proud of all the students and staff that have contributed to this accolade. They work incredibly hard and put in countless extra hours to ensure @thirty-four is a success. Their passion for their craft shines through in what they cook and how they serve our customers, and this is reflected in our excellent reviews.  

“Our students are very ambitious, so they deserve nothing less than Highly Commended as this truly demonstrates their talent and how exceptional they aspire to be.” 

To book a table in the restaurant, please call us on 01392 400334 or email thirty-four@exe-coll.ac.uk. 
 
Exeter College offers a wide range of outstanding hospitality and catering programmes. There is still time to apply for entry this September 2023. 

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