Coleg Cambria students collaborate with Michelin Star restaurant

A chef patron at one of the region’s most outstanding restaurants recently collaborated with Coleg Cambria students for a special evening of fine dining.

Gareth Ward, chef patron at Ynyshir in mid-Wales, along with his team gave students and staff at Cambria the opportunity to work alongside them in an evening of fine dining in the training restaurant in Deeside.

Gareth said: “It was an amazing experience to work with the guys at Coleg Cambria; it’s really inspiring to see the future chefs in our amazing industry get excited about the food produced at Ynyshir! We look forward to working with them at our restaurant in the future.”

Level 2 Professional Cookery student, Taylor Parry said: “The food and the whole experience was incredible; I can’t wait to go down to Ynyshir for a work placement and learn new techniques and skills.”

Gareth and his team were also so impressed with the quality of the lamb served on the evening from Coleg Cambria Llysfasi that they are now planning a visit to the farm.

Deputy Director of Curriculum for Catering and Hospitality, Andy Woods said: “This opportunity to collaborate is a fantastic testament to Gareth’s love of the industry and wanting to help the next generation of chefs.

“On the back of the event we are looking to further develop the relationship between Coleg Cambria and Ynyshir restaurant with staff and student work placements and possible future opportunities for further collaborations.”

Holding one Michelin Star and five AA Rosettes, the team at Ynyshir were the first of many collaborations with employers across the sector, in the new year Cambria will host pop up restaurants with Wild Garlic, The Machine House, The Chefs Table and Wrexham Football Club.