A NEW venture is proving to be a college reunion as catering staff help an acclaimed chef launch a new restaurant.
Three Darlington College trained chefs have joined the staff of The House of Tides, the latest restaurant to grace the Quayside in Newcastle.
Owner and top chef Kenny Atkinson has long associations with Darlington College and has judged many catering competitions there.
His sous chef Danny Parker, pastry commis Alex Kinloch and restaurant manager Robert Green all learnt their trade in the college’s esteemed catering department which over the years has turned out some of the most talented chefs in the business.
The House of Tides is a former merchant’s house dating back to the 17th century. Now renovated to a high standard it retains a host of period features that preserve its unique ambiance.
Robert, 28, of Ingleton, trained at Darlington College’s old site in Cleveland Avenue securing an NVQ L2 in food service, preparation and management. He later returned to study a foundation degree and was one of the first students to enrol in the new campus in Haughton Road.
After leaving college he worked for luxury shipping line Cunard on the QE2 and Queen Victoria before working with Kenny as restaurant manager at Rockliffe Hall.
Danny, 24, of Bishopton, Stockton, trained at Darlington College from 2006-09 and worked previously at Wynyard Hall. He came to Kenny’s attention when he won the North-East Menu competition, staged at the college.
Alex’s mum contacted Kenny on Twitter and he agreed to meet up with the 17-year-old, of Catterick Garrison.
Kenny said: “They all share a passion for the job which is priceless. As a boss I can only push people so far and it makes life so much easier when you have people with natural drive and talent who you can trust to do the job.
“The fact I have three from Darlington College is testament to the great job the tutors are doing.”
Robert said: “It is amazing to see how we have already managed to transform the building and it fantastic being able to hone a fine dining restaurant into a relaxed, easy going, high calibre establishment.”
Danny added: “The great thing for me is being able to be creative with the menu using the very best locally sourced produce.”
Alex, who travels daily by bus and train, said: “It is great learning at the college and then being able to put this into practice at the restaurant.”
Darlington College catering tutor Donna Joyce said: “Many of our students have gone on to secure some incredible jobs around the world and it is great that three are now working together with Kenny on this exciting venture.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College log on to www.darlington.ac.uk.
