Chef's top tips for children's charity

Youngsters taught the tricks of the trade at Michelin star restaurant

YOUNGSTERS from a Newbury children’s charity will be able to pick up some cooking tips from a Michelin-star chef during a specially- arranged course at The Woodspeen.

John Campbell, who opened the restaurant in Speen in 2014, has teamed up with Young People and Children First to provide two cookery sessions for youngsters supported by the charity.

The budding young chefs will get the chance to learn how to cook fresh, healthy meals as part of the charity’s work in encouraging an independent lifestyle as they transition from foster care to adults.

The charity provides a home for the young people, who pay rent to live there, encouraging them to have as much independence as possible, including being able to cook for themselves with a budget of £15 per week.

Mr Campbell is used to teaching people to cook. As well as teaching in the Woodspeen Cookery School, located opposite the restaurant, he has mentored chefs on the BBC’s Masterchef and appeared on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.

The Michelin-star chef will run two special sessions for the youngsters in May, which will include buying, preparation, storage and getting the most out of their shopping, as well as teaching them some essential cooking skills.

He said: “It’s inspiring to see these young people wanting to make a difference despite some of their past obstacles.

“Reaching out and supporting the local community in this way changes lives for the better and we are proud to be supporting Young People and Children First.”