28 culinary students from Reading secured life-changing work placements at this year’s Royal Ascot.

In a partnership between the famous Berkshire racecourse and hospitality company Sodexo, the culinary students at Reading College provided either fine dining dishes for the restaurants or food for hospitality boxes on site.

The Michelin star chef, Raymond Blanc whohas been the culinary consultant for Ascot Racecourse for the last five years chose two culinary arts level 2 students to work in one of his most coveted restaurants, The Panoramic.

Gracjan Mazurek and Keanu Leach who both study a Professional Culinary Arts at the Kings Road campus, were hand-picked to work with Raymond Blanc, in his spectacular restaurant experience. 

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Yasmin Trigwell is another student studying a Professional Culinary Arts Level 2 Certificate. During her time at Royal Ascot, she worked alongside chefs at 1711 by Ascot.  

She said: “Doing work experience at Royal Ascot made me feel like part of a team. I enjoyed seeing all the dishes come together and customers enjoying everything we prepared. 

“The week before Royal Ascot was all about prepping ready for service with Charlie. The week of the event I worked closely with Rob and his team of chefs.  

“Rob taught me new ways to plate and take dishes to a new level. I also worked in a few of the boxes with Jodie, who made me feel incredibly confident and I had an amazing time.