Northfield Academy's hospitality students cook for The Duchess of Cornwall today

Six of Northfield Academy's hospitality students are, with support from food service company Aramark, cooking for HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and celebrity chefs 'the Hairy Bikers' at London's Clarence House today (27 January).

The royal honour came after fourth year pupils Steven Dunbar, Kris Grant, Craig Milne, Callum Robertson, Louise Watson and Kimberley Webster won a nationwide competition as part of the 2010 British Food Fortnight Secondary School Challenge. 

The winning menu is cock-a-leekie soup served with cheese scones, traditional Scottish stovies and Highland oatcakes, followed by cranachan with petticoat tails.  The Aberdeen students will prepare their winning cuisine alongside joint winners Greencroft Business and Enterprise Community School from Durham.

They will be assisted by the Clarence House head chef, the Hairy Bikers and award-winning Aramark development chef Claus Nielsen.  Butlers from Clarence House will advise the chefs how to set a royal table.  The three-course meal will then be served to HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and 11 guests.   

Nielsen, who has worked closely with the students, said: "The students worked very hard to get here.  Their kitchen skills are really impressive and the food was of restaurant standard.  They're all so enthusiastic about cooking and have lots of potential.  I'm so delighted to have been part of today."

Susan Elston, managing director of Aramark offshore division, added: "The six students have done brilliantly and are a great inspiration to their peers.  We've been working with people in Northfield for some time now and are delighted to have been able to get to know Northfield Academy.  I'm looking forward to a long relationship with the school." 

Words: Maria Bracken

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