Eat, drink and be merry
come to fruition. Our nine now
move on as well-rounded chefs de
partie. They will work within the
Exclusive Group alongside some of
our finest chefs to polish the strong
foundation gained at the Exclusive
Academy during the past two
years.”
To celebrate their graduation,
the team of young chefs worked
alongside their mentor Andy and
also Olly Rouse, head chef at
Lainston House, to devise and serve
a pop-up style dinner at Hattingley
Valley Vineyard.
This final test proved a great
success with more than 100 guests
packed into the impressive winery
and plenty of smoke and dry ice
to keep the diners amused. “I was
really proud of the students that
evening, they came together as
a team to deliver an outstanding
meal. It has been an honour to work
alongside the young chefs and
watch them develop throughout
their learning journey.”
The potential opportunities
offered by the course have become
widely recognised. This year in
excess of 80 applicants are vying
for just 12 spaces.
So how does Andy choose?
“I’m looking for those who can
endure hard work, absorb copious
amounts of information and are
passionate about their future. We
put applicants through a rigorous
assessment centre to ascertain
which candidates have what it
takes to succeed on the course.”
Young people can often get
some stick for their attitude
to education or work. What
ingredients has Andy concocted to
ensure a recipe for success for his
young chefs? “I believe young chefs
need nurturing and investing in. We
provide a great environment with
a strong support mechanism which
allows them to grow and develop.”
When asked if Andy is sad to see
his students go it seems that pride
is superseding any signs of sadness
for now: “This won’t be the last I see
of them. I fully expect and hope to
hear from them as they move on
and continue to have questions.
“I will be following each one of
them to see how they play out the
bright futures which lie ahead.”
ABOVE RIGHT: Andy Mackenzie is
pictured top row centre with students
Alresford Show • September 3, 9am-6pm
Tichborne Park, Alresford
A great day out for all the family with plenty to see and do (and free
parking). Hampshire Fare is celebrating 25 years at the show with lots
of local producers and activities.
alresfordshow.co.uk
hampshirefare.co.uk
Winchester Cathedral Harvest Festival • October 1-2, 10am-5pm
Inner and outer close of Winchester Cathedral
The weekend celebrates the importance of harvest, its place and
significance within Hampshire, the farming community and the
seasonal cycle that we all exist within. With a wide range of attractions,
displays, music and food, it is a great day out for all the family.
Hampshire Fare will be there with local producers. Admission to the
Cathedral is free for the weekend and a special celebratory Evensong
service is held on the Sunday afternoon, all welcome.
winchester-cathedral.org.uk/events/hampshire-harvest-weekend/
20 Resident
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