Chef Ainsley shares recipe for success with Blackpool students

11:39am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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Larger than life chef Ainsley Harriott shared his recipe for success as he met catering students at an awards evening in Blackpool.

The Ready Steady Cook star was guest of honour at the annual catering awards for Blackpool and the Fylde College where he handed out prizes and gave advice to the youngsters on furthering their career in the industry.

He also revealed he spent many happy times in the resort as a youngster when his father, well known jazz pianist and actor Chester Harriott performed during the summer seasons.

Ainsley met dozens of students destined for a career in food and catering at the event at Blackpool Football Club.

He said: “The growth in quality restaurants in the UK gives youngsters far more opportunities nowadays to establish themselves.

“Courses such as the ones at Blackpool and The Fylde College equip them with the necessary skills to enter the workplace and I’m so impressed with the skill, enthusiasm and dedication of the kids I have met here.”

Among the students who received prizes from Ainsley were level three chef Rahul Vihurkav, Stacy Roper, who won most improved student and Jodie Kerten, who was named Fylde Coast schools’ Young Baker of the Year.

Ainsley, who has also presented how-to-cook programmes such as Ainsley's Barbecue Bible and Ainsley's Meals in Minutes said he was delighted to be back in Blackpool.

He said: “When I told my dad I was coming here he was thrilled. He always said Blackpool audiences were the most generous.

“I remember as a young teenager watching him perform at the Planet Ballroom, the Savoy Hotel and the Grand Theatre.

“I recall seeing Ken Dodd and some of the more risque comedians and I think that was my first exposure to humour with innuendo. They were very happy times for me.”