MasterChef creates culinary delights at College

A former student from Colchester Institute, who was crowned BBC’s MasterChef: The Professional, will be visiting Colchester Institute to create a delicious five course meal on Wednesday 10th February.

Steve Groves and the Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies will be hosting this special event in the Balkerne Restaurant at the College, which will open its doors to 40 lucky customers.

Steve will be working with students from the Centre during the day in order to teach and perfect the five course meal they will be serving that evening. This will be no easy task. However, Neil – Head of Centre – believes the students are more than up to the challenge.

He says: ‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for all the students involved. Who gets to say they’ve worked with the winner of MasterChef during their training? The students work in the kitchens and restaurants at the College on a daily basis, preparing and serving food to paying customers. I’m confident that under their head chef, Steve Groves, this will be a fantastic night.’’

What’s more, Glenn Wayland, Sous Chef at J Sheekey, will also be attending along with Steve. J Sheekey is located in the heart of Covent Garden, serving some of the finest fish dishes around.

The winner of the national TV cookery contest – from Brightlingsea – studied at Colchester Institute after leaving school aged 16. He originally wanted to be a fireman but realised he wasn’t old enough. Therefore, rather than wasting two years before he could join, Steve enrolled at the College on a three year NVQ course in professional craft catering.

During his time at the College, Steve quickly realised a new passion. He was awarded student of the year and also earned a trip to America. His idea of becoming a fireman quickly evaporated and ambitions of working in the food industry soon took over.

Steve won ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ in October 2009 and Colchester Institute welcomed him back to where it all began, in December, when he spoke with current students about what they too can achieve. He was greeted by his former tutor, Martin Fordham, Curriculum Manager at the College.  

In order to come to the College for this special event, Steve is taking time off from the Launceston Place Restaurant, where he currently works as Senior Sous Chef.