Top chef shares porcine perfection with Loughborough College students

An influential UK chef shared his expertise with student cooks at a special guest night at Loughborough College’s Radmoor Restaurant.

Alan Paton, Executive Head Chef at Stoke by Nayland Hotel and Spa, and a consultant on TV shows, visited the College to work with students on a stunning eight-course meal in the restaurant.

Alan, who has been awarded two 2AA rosettes at every place he has worked as a head chef, is famous for his innovative use of pork in his dishes and shared the secrets of his award-winning recipes with learners.

Student Beth Lewis said: “I really enjoyed working with Alan. I was a bit nervous but he was so calm, explained things in great detail and I love the two courses I did. There were some really different flavour combinations I had never thought of before.”

Darren Creed, Head Chef and hospitality curriculum manager at Loughborough College, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Alan to our kitchen to share his incredible insight and skills with our learners.

“It was more than a guest lecture. This was a masterclass from one of the most innovative chefs out there and our students gained so much from spending time in the kitchen with him. The food was outstanding and the experience has truly inspired our learners.”

Alan said: “As a member of the Education and Training Committee at the Craft Guild of Chefs, we need to get out and support our colleges. It was a great evening and it was fantastic to work with Loughborough College’s brilliant students. They did the college proud."

Alan’s guest appearance was on 10th March and is the latest in a string of excellent guest chefs who students have learned from.

Alan’s innovative approach to using pork is epitomised by one of his latest creations, sticky toffee bacon doughnut with spiced coffee sugar, whipped milk, maple pancetta, walnut and maple ice cream.