PROFESSIONAL COOKERY STUDENT SNAPPED UP BY TWO-STAR MICHELIN RESTAURANT
A local culinary talent, who is currently a student at North Hertfordshire College (NHC), has been snapped up by one of the top restaurants in the UK, Midsummer House in Cambridge. The restaurant, under celebrity chef Daniel Clifford, currently boasts two Michelin stars.
Beth Grimshaw, who is 18 years old and lives in Letchworth, is in her final year of a Professional Cookery course at NHC. She completed work experience at the restaurant arranged by NHC and made such an impression that she has now been offered a job as a commis chef by the current Head Chef, Mark Abbott.
To add to her accolades, Beth has twice been a finalist at Zest Quest Asia, one of the biggest student chef competitions in the UK. This year’s finals took place on Friday 8 February and Beth along with fellow NHC students Catherine Worley and Nicole Watt made it down to the last six winning the award for ‘Best Menu Planning’.
Beth said: “It was an incredible opportunity to get the work experience placement, and to then get offered a full-time position when I finish my course is unbelievable.
“I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and so thankful to everyone who has believed and supported me along the way.
“I adore cheffing and my passion and skill have been developed and nurtured whilst studying. My career goal is to become a private chef and to continue my training in Europe.”
Mark Abbott, Head Chef at Midsummer House, said: “In a young chef it’s all about the basics which I look for. Being on time – and in Beth’s case waiting by the door for it to be opened – turning up in a clean, ironed uniform, asking the right questions and not ones for the sake of it, being respectful toward the team and having a positive attitude towards all of the tasks. If a mistake is made, listening to what went wrong and learning from it. Beth ticked all these boxes.”
Anthony Gascoigne, Lecturer at NHC, said: “Beth has had an incredible journey. Her determination, courage and passion for cooking have led to this brilliant opportunity with Midsummer House. Her enthusiasm and desire to learn will stand her in good stead for the future.”
Beth will begin her new position after completing her course at the end of the academic year.
“A tale of Three Chefs” will be taking place on Thursday 6 June at Hart Kitchens, the College’s student-run restaurant, where diners can sample the dishes that Beth, Nicole and Catherine produced at the Zest Quest competition.
