Brockenhurst College students gain valuable experience at Chefs’ Forum event

Hospitality and Catering students from Brockenhurst College recently joined top chefs from across Dorset and Hampshire to support a prestigious industry lunch hosted by The Chefs’ Forum at Burley Manor in the New Forest.

The event celebrated local hospitality talent and training, with students working alongside professionals from the New Forest Hotels group to help prepare and serve a four-course fine-dining menu for industry guests.

Taking part gave students the chance to experience a real working kitchen and front-of-house environment, developing their confidence and teamwork while learning from some of the region’s most talented chefs.

Hospitality students Rosemarie Gravina (Front of House) and Matthew Dougan (Back of House) were praised for their professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Sarah Smith, Lecturer in Hospitality at Brockenhurst College, said:

“Events like this are fantastic for our students, they get to see first-hand what it’s like to work at a professional level and build valuable contacts for their future careers.”

The Chefs’ Forum Lunch brought together chefs, suppliers, and learners from across the South to celebrate collaboration and skills development in the hospitality sector. Dishes on the day included creations from chefs at Beaulieu Hotel and Burley Manor, with ingredients supplied by local producers such as Jurassic Coast Fine Foods, Ritter Fresh, and Dole Foodservice.

The experience forms part of Brockenhurst College’s ongoing partnership with The Chefs’ Forum, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry through live events, masterclasses, and work-based learning opportunities.

Photography credit: Carlos Farinha (@carlosclickuk on Instagram).

For more information about Hospitality courses at Brockenhurst College, click here