'Busman's Holiday' For NI Caterer

A catering lecturer at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has recently returned from a weeklong stay at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel.

However Michelle McCarthy's stay at Gleneagles was not one of leisure and relaxation, it was one of professional development where she studied the workings of the highly skilled staff at the hotel.

Renowned for being one of the world's most coveted 5 star hotels and home to three of Scotland's top golf courses, Gleneagles Hotel has an international reputation for excellent cuisine and fine dining in each of its five restaurants.

The hallmark of the restaurants is the use of the finest fresh produce available locally in Perthshire and Scotland and excellent customer service.

Inspired by hit television series Michel Roux's Service, Michelle sought to refresh her professional cookery and hospitality skills so that her teaching techniques could reflect the latest industry standards.

Michelle was joined on the visit to Gleneagles by SERC catering student, Aishleen McCormick, (both pictured) a budding young chef who aspires to have a successful career in the hospitality industry.

SERC is a college that recognises the importance of continued professional development and was delighted to agree to Michelle’s request to spend a week’s ‘work experience’ at a five star hotel. After researching some of the top hotels in the UK Michelle decided on Gleneagles as the ideal location to continue her professional development.

During the stay they put together a programme that allowed Michelle and Aishleen to work in each of the hotel’s five restaurants, including the Strathearn, which is the main dining room for the hotel and the Michelin starred Andrew Fairlies restaurant.

Michelle commented: "I have been working for SERC for four years now and have recently completed my PGCE (FE) teaching qualification, I felt that the next step from this was to refresh my industry experience because in the past four years there have been significant changes to the hospitality industry. People have a greater appreciation for a variety of different continental cuisines and of course television programmes like Michel Roux's Service, highlighted the importance of good quality service."

Michelle added: "When I graduated from catering college I was lucky enough to get a job in Dromoland Castle, a five star hotel in County Clare. During my time there I gained a valuable insight into the standards required for a five star hotel which have benefited me throughout my career."

(BMcC)