North Hertfordshire College’s Film, TV & VFX learners have teamed up with our Hospitality and Catering students to produce a brand-new online cookery series entitled ‘Next Plate Up’.
Shot on location at our student-run restaurant, The Meadows, each episode of the series features a guest chef from our Hospitality and Catering pathway cooking up some delicious dishes for viewers to make themselves.
With the help of Next Plate Up host and TV, Film & VFX student Rhi, the guest chefs also share insight into their college journey, what they’ve learned on their course so far, and their future career ambitions. Rhi is joined by a different chef for each episode of the series.
The pilot episode saw Level 3 Catering student Darius draw upon his Trinidadian heritage to cook Trinidadian Doubles, a traditional street food item consisting of flatbreads layered with curried chickpeas and finished with a sauce or chutney – yum!
Darius explained each step of his recipe for viewers to replicate at home. We also heard about Darius’ experience studying at NHC for the past three years. One of many highlights for him has been his time competing in various competitions, like Zest Quest Asia 2026.
In the latest instalment of Next Plate Up, Rhi was joined by Ben, another one of our Level 3 Professional Cookery learners. Ben cooked and served a chicken schnitzel with celeriac remoulade, crispy sage leaves, and a honey-mustard dressing. Thanks to his three years of experience working in our professional kitchen, Ben was able to explain every part of the process so viewers could have a go at making it themselves. Perfect to impress friends at a dinner party!
Rhi helped Ben to reflect on his three years at NHC, discussing how he’s made lifelong friends on the course, and exploring his journey into the world of professional cookery.
The entire process of Next Plate Up, from production to pilot, has focused on creativity and collaboration. Every part of this series has been developed by our students, helping them experience the realities of working in television and online media while showcasing the incredible talent and opportunities available at North Hertfordshire College.
Jonathan, NHC’s Film, TV, and VFX tutor, commented: “Bringing together our Professional Cookery and Film & TV students, Next Plate Up demonstrates how creative partnerships can produce engaging content that not only celebrates our learners but also inspires the next generation as they consider their post-GCSE pathways.
“A huge congratulations to all of our Level 3 Professional Cookery students and Film and TV students who have worked so hard to bring this series to life. Your creativity, teamwork and dedication have been outstanding.
“This is just the beginning—the first full season of Next Plate Up is coming this November, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.”
Stay tuned for the next episodes of Next Plate Up! You can catch up on all the episodes on our YouTube channel.
Could you apply your skills to exciting cross-department projects, like Next Plate Up? Be the best you. Ever. Apply for a course at North Hertfordshire College.