Two apprentice chefs have joined a Cumbrian hotel group’s specialist training academy.

Natasha Bull, who has moved up to the Lake District from Derbyshire to work, and Alice Metcalfe from Kendal are the latest recruits to train under the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy.

In partnership with Kendal College, the training academy offers an apprenticeship for the students to attain Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications, as well as earning a living with hands on, practical experience in a restaurant kitchen.

Both Natasha and Alice will be learning their trade to cook up a successful career path in the busy kitchen at Wild Boar Estate near Windermere.

Established in 2017, the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy offers fully accredited courses to train budding chefs whilst they earn a wage with the hotel group. Both apprentices will be working under the tutelage of group training and development chef Daniel Winstanley, who is an appointed member of The Master Chefs of Great Britain.

A cookery class in Thailand whilst she travelled the world was one of the reasons 20-year-old Natasha cites for pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. So she undertook a bit of research and decided to apply to the academy and begin a new working life in the Lake District.

“I started looking online at how to train to be a chef and what qualifications were needed,” explains Natasha: “The one which really stood out with a specific career pathway was the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy.”

17-year-old Alice left Dallam School in Kendal over the summer and had heard about the academy from Kendal College. She is a keen member of the local Young Farmers club and competes at local agricultural shows and public speaking events.

Daniel Winstanley from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues adds:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Natasha and Alice to the Culinary Academy. They’ve already settled brilliantly into their kitchen brigade at Wild Boar Estate, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork."

“We’re especially excited to have them involved in our live cooking tent at the Lancaster University Christmas markets, where they’ll be showcasing their skills and exploring the diverse food cultures on offer.”

  For further information about the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy, visit here.