TWO Pembrokeshire College Professional Catering students who completed three-month work placements in Ireland wowed guests to the Academy Restaurant last week with their culinary and front-of-house skills.

During her placement, Gwendolyn Wheeler had the privilege of working with top chef Enda McEvoy, who was named Ireland Best Chef 2016, at Michelin Star restaurant ‘Loam’.

“This was invaluable work experience, being a member of Chef McEvoy team was both thrilling and exhausting. I would definitely recommend working in the industry as I think there is always work for skilled chefs, it’s creative and the job can take you anywhere!”

Fellow student Gwen Davies, a former Ysgol y Preseli pupil, took up a Front-of-House post at Dunmore House Hotel situated on the beautiful west coast of Ireland.

“I really enjoyed the events planning part of my role, engaging with people is what I love to do, the fact that every day is different is why I have chosen to work in the hospitality industry.”

Both students teamed up to present a FADE (Fine Academy Dining Experience) evening at the college last week. Gwendolyn presented a beautiful menu that was inspired by her Loam experience, including duck rillettes on toast with rhubarb compote, followed by pork belly with black and white pudding, malt glaze and to finish parsley cake, white chocolate mousse, strawberries, juniper meringue, strawberry ice cream and blackcurrants; meanwhile, Gwen professionally managed Front-of-House ensuring that the customers had a memorable evening.

FADE is extremely important to the development of the college’s professional catering students; the membership helps to sponsor the bursary students who wish to gain real work experience in some of the UK’s finest hotels and restaurants. Previous high profile placements have included Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Bath Priory and Gleneagles.

Both students finish their studies this year and both have secured work, Gwendolyn is working at The Grove in Narberth and Gwen has been offered a Food and Beverage Associate post at the Celtic Manor Hotel, Newport.

If you’re a ‘foody’ and would like to join a worthy culinary club, why not consider signing up to FADE or just go along to the Academy Restaurant and sample some of the best food in Pembrokeshire.