Gourmet night as top chefs join students

FANTASTIC gastronomy tantalised the taste buds at the South Bristol Skills Academy.

The City of Bristol College campus in Hengrove hosted the finale of the Grand Chefs' Dinner last night. Now in its second year, it was the climax of a series of events involving top chefs from award winning restaurants in the Bristol area.

Chefs included Josh Eggleton from the Michelin-starred Pony and Trap, Leigh Pascoe, Tim Denny and Matt Duggan from the Star and Dove, Chris Wicks from Bells Diner and Berwick Lodge, Ron Faulkner from Ronnie's of Thornbury and The Muset by Ronnie and Toby Gritten from the Pump House and The Bird In Hand.

Each restaurant had hosted an evening meal and the best dish from each was offered last night, with the help of catering students. Each chef took three proteges to show them how to cook an award-winning meal and learn the value of fine local produce.

Josh Eggleton, chef proprietor at the Pony and Trap in Chew Magna, said: "It is important to get the college involved as these are the industry's next generation of culinary experts; it's our duty to boost their confidence and encourage them."

Adrian Kirikmaa, restaurant manager at City of Bristol College, said: "This event is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn techniques from the crème de la crème of Bristol's chefs."