A COLLEGE was transformed into a fine dining restaurant, complete with award-winning chef, to provide an impressive gala dinner.

For the first time ever, Stoke Park Golf and Country Club's award-winning chef, Chris Wheeler transported Humphry’s fine dining restaurant to East Berkshire College, in Station Road, Langley, when he worked with a team of 20 catering students to serve a selection of modern British dishes, on Thursday, June 16.

Diners were treated to a three-course journey of culinary delights including Dorset Crab and Prawn Tian, Pan-fried Sea Bass with Butternut Squash Risotto, Roast Loin of Lamb, Blackcurrant Soufflé and Humphry’s signature Chocolate Box Dessert with Salted Caramel Ice Cream.

Rhys Kralyic, who is studying on the Level 3 Professional Cookery course at Langley College, said: “It was a real honour to learn from such a top chef. The pressure was really on to produce dishes that were up to Stoke Park’s high standards, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I finally mastered the art of a one-handed quenelle.”

Local resident, Ann Portsmouth, was one of the diners at the special pop-up evening. She said: “The dinner was absolutely amazing and every course was beautifully presented. The students have worked really hard. I can’t wait to see what they do next year.”

Mr Wheeler, who has appeared on TV shows such as Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch, has been Head Chef at the 3 AA rosette restaurant at Stoke Park Country Club and Hotel for 13 years. Passionate about developing and inspiring new talent for the industry, he currently employs two apprentice chefs from Langley College.

He said: “I was an apprentice when I first started in the industry and I truly value the opportunities I was given, and we are delighted to support the students and the fantastic Hospitality and Catering Academy."

All the money raised was donated to the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice to help support the charity’s incredible work.

For more information on the Hospitality & Catering Academy at Langley College, please visit www.eastberks.ac.uk or call 01753 793000.