Michelin-starred opportunities for the College’s apprentice chef

St Catharine’s is supporting the training and development of a new apprentice chef working in the College kitchens, including opportunities to experience working at some of the country’s leading restaurants. Alfie Twigden is currently working towards his Level 2 Commis Chef Diploma and only joined St Catharine’s in September 2021, but he will have completed at least two placements at Michelin-starred restaurants by the end of his first year.

Alfie explained, “I am passionate about becoming a chef and I’ve hoped to work at St Catharine’s since I was 14 years old, when I applied for work experience. Everyone at St Catharine’s is so friendly but it is worth singling out Rob Jonas, Catering and Conference Director, and Alan Smith, Head Chef, because they’ve looked out for me and pushed me to grow. The St Catharine’s kitchen is run in a really hands-on way so it has been a fantastic place to gain skills and knowledge: from prepping up to three caféteria meals a day, to plating dishes for formal dinners and special events.”

At Rob’s suggestion, Alfie applied for a placement at Daniel Clifford’s Midsummer House and was welcomed by head chef Mark Abbott for four days in January 2022. Less than a mile from the College, Midsummer House is the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in the East of England and was awarded its first star 20 years ago.

Alfie said, “I feel pretty lucky that the third kitchen I’ve ever worked in was Midsummer House. It was an eye-opening experience watching Mark and his team prepare such immaculate plates of food. Given the restaurant was fully booked, it was so generous of them to take the time to explain what was happening and to let me taste their food. The placement has given me lots of ideas to take back to St Catharine’s and a new-found appreciation for chefs cooking at such an elevated level.”

Mark commented, “It was a pleasure to have Alfie in the kitchen here at Midsummer House. He is a hard working individual and I believe he has massive potential to grow in this industry – with the right guidance he could have a remarkable future.”

Looking ahead, Alfie has two fortnight-long placements scheduled in May at establishments owned by Tom Kerridge, including The Hand & Flowers, the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars.

Rob added, “It has been a real pleasure to welcome Alfie to St Catharine’s and see him thrive in our kitchen. The team here has decades of experience across a range of fine dining and other catering settings so we were more than happy to suggest placements that would broaden Alfie’s culinary horizons. We wish him the best of luck as he completes his Level 2 Diploma this year and we are eager to support him remaining at St Catharine’s next year for his Level 3 Diploma.”