NHC’S ANTHONY GASCOIGNE NOMINATED FOR CHEF LECTURER OF THE YEAR

North Hertfordshire College is proud to share that Anthony Gascoigne, one of our catering tutors, has been nominated in the Chef Lecturer of the Year category at the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards 2022 – an event considered to be the Oscars of the catering industry!

The Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards recognises exceptional talent from across the whole of the industry, from apprentices and young chefs at the beginning of their career journey through to more established chefs working in education, restaurants, and hospitality.

Anthony said of his nomination: “I feel humbled to be nominated for the Craft Guild of Chefs Lecturer Award. It’s a reflection of the commitment we have at North Hertfordshire College to providing our students with the best possible experience and opportunities. As a team, we work with many industry partners, all of which help make the magic happen. I honestly believe I have the best job in the world and to be recognised for doing just that is an honour. Congratulations and good luck to the other nominees, all of which are winners.”

Anthony has been working with North Hertfordshire College since 2013, helping hundreds of young chefs start their careers in the catering industry, with many of his students going on to work in Michelin-starred restaurants following the completion of their courses. His dedication to teaching the next generation of chefs was previously recognised in the 2021 TES FE Awards, where Anthony received the Teacher of the Year award.

His skill and dedication to teaching his students does not go unnoticed. Take a look at these quotes from some of Anthony’s students, colleagues, and alumni about his work:

Cyrus Todiwali OBE DL

“To my mind, Anthony is one of the most dedicated teachers I have come across during my involvement within Education across the UK since we launched Zest Quest Asia… when Anthony realised his students needed a lift during the pandemic, he asked me if I would be kind enough to send a special message to encourage them to have faith and courage. Such is his devotion to the job, and that is something that I admire and feel that more and more teachers need to learn and copy and do. There are few as deserving as he, and he stands way above many more.”

Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College

“Anthony is a truly inspiring professional who has the perfect combination of industry experience, cheffing skills, food knowledge, and a genuine passion for teaching. He inspires his students to love good, to love preparing food, and to love the hospitality industry, and through his brilliant employer engagement work, he ensures that by the time his students leave his care they are highly-skilled chefs and well-rounded professionals who are more than ready for their exciting next steps. He is genuinely a magnificent teacher, highly regarded and respected by his students and his industry contacts, and a real asset to our college.”

Luke Watkins, Pastry Chef at Le Manoir and former NHC student

“Anthony has always supported me and encouraged me to do my best. I felt comfortable to be able to approach Anthony at any time either in college or outside of college hours. Anthony inspired and motivated me to enter competitions and was excellent support throughout my time at college and especially with Zest Quest Asia. Although I have now left college, I know I can call on Anthony any time for any help and support.”

Emily Simkins, Level 2 Professional Cookery student and winner of Zest Quest Asia Autumn Challenge

“Anthony and the catering team have provided me with lots of opportunities for me to take part in, like cooking with different professional chefs and lots of competitions. He is very kind and helpful, and the opportunities he’s provided have helped shape my course so far.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards will be held on June 9th at Magazine London, where the winners will be revealed. This year’s awards will also include a Special Award category for the chef who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

Congratulations again to Anthony for your nomination!