Hospitality learners enjoy inspirational virtual visits

Hospitality learners enjoyed a week of inspirational talks after virtual visits from Fred Sirieix and Brian Turner. 

Fred, who is referred to as the “Service Jedi” or “Service Guru” by his peers, has over 25 years of experience in hospitality and is known as the popular Maître D on Channel 4’s First Dates. 

He has worked in some of London’s most celebrated restaurants, co-hosted Michel Roux’s Service on BBC2 and is behind several high-profile charities and events such as National Waiter’s Day. Fred is also creator and director of The Art of Service. 

Speaking to learners, Fred said: “My philosophy is that to be the best, you must always do your best. Life is very short, so whatever time you have you’ve got to spend it with the best people who give you the opportunity to grow as professionals and people. 

“It’s very important to have your own personal vision and values and, no matter what you stand for, it’s important the places you work align with your vision. Start from the bottom and work up and don’t be afraid of hard work; nothing is achieved without hard work.” 

He added: “My personal vision is to enjoy life, to learn and to make a difference, and everything I do has to be guided by this vision. If it’s not, I don’t want to do it.” 

Fred also told learners they are in a “very good position” due to the “huge” skills and staff shortages in the hospitality industry.  

“Chances are that you’re highly likely to be very successful because there is little competition, so you need to take advantage of that with both hands. You’re in the right place at the right time and the beauty of the profession is you can work anywhere in the world.  

“There are so many opportunities out there for you so you have to think about what you want to do, where you want to work and what’s important to you.” 

Learners also heard from Brian Turner, said to be one of Britain’s best-known chefs having trained at Simpson’s in the Strand, The Savoy, The Beau Rivage in Lausanne and Claridge’s.  

 In 1971 he opened the kitchens of The Capital Hotel with Richard Shepherd where they won a then rare Michelin star. In 1986 he opened his own restaurant Turner’s in Walton Street, Chelsea. After 15 years of success he opened restaurants in Birmingham and Slough and in 2003 at The Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London.  

Turner is the President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts which he has combined with a successful career as a TV personality, Ready Steady Cook  as well as regular appearances on This Morning, Saturday Kitchen, Saturday Morning with James Martin and his own shows ‘A Taste of Britain’ and ‘My Life on a Plate’ with the BBC.  

We would like to thank Middlesbrough College for organising the virtual visits and sharing them with our learners. 

 For more information about our outstanding Hospitality courses, visit: https://grimsby.ac.uk/full-time-course/professional-chef-restaurant-customer-service/