Newtown College catering student Alice Yeoman takes up a new role at the prestigious Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. The country house hotel nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside is the residence of the very distinguished chef Raymond Blanc OBE and is Britain’s only country house hotel to have maintained two Michelin stars for over 30 years.
Alice originally from Borth said she was delighted to find so many exciting opportunities after leaving college. “My time at college taught me so much and now I am so lucky to have chance to use my skills among those I have admired, it’s a dream job to work in the kitchens at Belmond Le Manoir were so many Michelin star chefs have trained,” said Alice.
Alice only discovered an interest in catering after attending a ‘bakery taster’ session at Newtown College run by the Hospitality and Catering department. She enjoyed the session so much she went on to do her Level 3 in catering at the College.
Head of catering at NPTC Group of Colleges, Sue Lloyd Jones said: “Alice showed great ambition and impressed us all on the catering team. She worked hard in, and out of college time. Alice was the only Welsh finalist in the national WorldSkills UK competition earlier in the year and she was also a finalist in the recent Mid Wales Tourism Awards. We are all delighted for her.”
Lecturer Shaun Bailey added: “Alice is now seeing the rewards of all her hard work. She was always ambitious and had a positive attitude towards all she did. The top jobs in catering are not easy to get and its credit to Alice’s drive and abilities that she has succeeded in her goals to achieve this position.”
Alice remains convinced that the support, encouragement and opportunities she was given through college and tutors have enabled her to be in a position to feel confident in her skills. She said: “I highly recommend Newtown College catering department to any prospective young person that has a passion for catering and culinary arts.”
We all wish her well in the future. If you are interested in a career in Catering why not look into courses available at Newtown College.
