Monday 28th February 2011 - Published by Kelly Jackson - Communications Executive
Relief Chef is Cooking Up a Storm for Boarders
An interim chef has saved the boarders' bacon at a Lake District school, by stepping in to the breech after their regular cook became ill.
Since taking on the temporary post in November, AWOL Recruitment's Peter Steen has cooked up a storm at Keswick Secondary School, with his special themed menus and events.
On Burns Night, Peter produced a menu that included ‘the toast to the Haggis’, which one of the pupils read aloud. He also produced special menus for Valentines Day and St David’s Day, including information about each day to make it educational as well as tasty.
Jackie McGrath of Keswick Secondary School said:
“Being away from home, it's important boarders are looked after and well fed, and that was Peter's brief when he joined. He has established a great relationship with the boarders, by taking the time to chat with them, as well as serve them delicious food. He also comes to work on a motorbike, which has established him firmly in the 'cool' camp with our students!”
Peter was placed at the school by AWOL Recruitment, which provides relief chefs and temporary staff for the hospitality industry. Based in Grange-Over-Sands, AWOL has a team of about 40 chefs on standby to work in various settings from schools and nursing homes to restaurants and hotels.
Director of AWOL and Master Chef of Great Britain, James Brown said:
“We were confident that Peter would be able to fit into this role, thanks not only to his culinary expertise, but his fantastic interpersonal skills.
“Peter will have a go at anything, and has helped us out at the last minute on many occasions in pubs, inns and hotels. However he really enjoys working at our schools, where he has made a real impact in increasing take-up on school dinners through serving tasty freshly cooked, appetising meals, and engaging with the children.”
Keswick Secondary School is one of 35 state boarding schools in England and Wales. Set in a stunning location on the edge of the attractive market town of Keswick at the heart of the Lake District National Park, it has 50 boarding places for students aged 11-18.
While Peter's post at the school is temporary, Keswick's boarders still have St Patrick's Day and St George's Day treats to come, as his contract continues at least until the end of the Easter term.
For more information about AWOL Recruitment, call 015395 35777.
