16th October 2017
South Devon College hosted the unprecedented event at its fine-dining restaurant Horizons. Students worked alongside the chefs to offer the local community a delectable, locally- supplied menu specialising in seafood.
The occasion marked one year until the official launch of the ‘England Seafood Coast Feast’ – a new initiative funded by Discover England, led by the English Riviera BID Company, to develop and celebrate the seafood offering across Torbay and attract tourism to support local businesses. The England Seafood Coast Feast will offer a range of activities including set menus across Torbay, kayaking, seashore foraging tours, visits to Brixham fish market, a world record attempt, art installations, heritage sailing trawlers and collaborative dining events.
England’s highest value seafood catch (£25million a year) is landed at Brixham, but less than 10% of it is eaten locally and 50% is exported worldwide. England’s Seafood Coast Feast sets out to establish the English Riviera as an international seafood destination with Brixham Fish Market at its heart and to reacquaint locals with its speciality.
The seven chefs from the breadth of Torbay were; Simon Hulstone The Elephant, Kirk Gosden The Seahorse, Oliver Stacey, No.7 Fish Bistro, Tom Ward Harbour Kitchen, Matthew Jarrett Pier Point Restaurant Bar, Barry George Cantina and Ashley Hamilton, The Curious Kitchen.
Simon Hulstone, Head Chef at The Elephant in Torquay said, “South Devon has an abundance of fantastic produce and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better in the UK for local sourcing. It’s a pleasure to support the local coastline with projects such as England’s Seafood Coast and I’m really looking forward to being involved next year.”
The event provided a fantastic opportunity for the students at South Devon College. During their studies, the students learn a broad range of practical, technical and theoretical skills linked with the dynamic Hospitality and Catering industry. Teaching and learning takes place in the commercially run fine dining Horizons restaurant and in fully equipped, industry standard kitchens. Students complete work experience placements to help them develop professionally in a real-life setting and many progress into an apprenticeship or full-time employment. Students have previously had the opportunity to work alongside renowned, award-wining chefs and restaurateurs such as, Allam Shah Ullah, Ankar Biswas, Dipna Anand, Mark Hix, Mark Tilling, Michael Wignall, Mitch Tonks plus many more.
For more information about Hospitality and Catering courses email [email protected] or 08000 380 123 call for more information on England’s Seafood Coast visit the facebook page.
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