Group - Broadstairs College alumni occupy a quarter of top chef list
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Broadstairs College alumni occupy a quarter of top chef list

EKC Group’s Broadstairs College alumni were recently identified by a Top 20 chefs in Kent list, published by Kent live.

The article, which can be found here, was published on Sunday 9 June and highlighted the local chef’s greatest achievements to date. These accolades range from Michelin Stars to rebuilding a Gastropubs local reputation.

The previous Broadstairs College students mentioned are: Ben Crittenden, Craig Mather, Rob Taylor, Scott Goss and Volodymyr Slobodyan.

Find out more about what they’re working on now below:

Ben Crittenden is now the owner of one of the smallest artisan restaurants in the county, with his eatery seating just 12 diners at any one time. Ben draws up his menus weekly with the focal point of his food being locally sourced seasonal produce. Working alongside his wife Sophie, the couple run their business together. Since College, Ben has been named the winner of Waitrose's Good Food Guide Chef to Watch award.

Thanet born Craig Mather, spent four years working at Michelin-starred Mallory Court County House Hotel post College by way of working towards his dream of cooking fine dining food. After that, Craig worked on a restaurant he opened inside Eddie Gilbert’s fishmongers working with fresh produce. Reviews in the Guardian, Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and Olive magazine enabled the restaurant to make a name for itself.

Craig made the decision to return to Broadstairs College in 2011 as a lecturer, training the next generation of caterers. He spent over five years working at the College before returning to the kitchens at the Empire Room in Ramsgate. Craig opened the Little Ships restaurant in Ramsgate harbour, which is had been described as serving the best breakfast in the country.

Rob Taylor has been working at the Compasses Inn in Canterbury since taking it on in 2012 with his wife Donna. During his time at the Compasses, Rob has taken home the Kent Food and Drink award as well as receiving a mention in both the Waitrose Good Food Guide and the Top 50 Gastropub list. Rob is also the holder of Kent’s only Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Scott Goss has enjoyed a diverse catering career thus far working with the likes of Gary Rhodes and making an appearance on BBC 2’s hit show, the Great British Menu. Scott has recently opened up his first restaurant in Tonbridge, Verdigris.

Volodymyr Slobodyan was recently appointed head chef aged just 24 at the Bay Tree hotel in Broadstairs. Volodymyr has prior experience of head chef work while he covered a temporary position at Empire Room in Ramsgate, as well as working at Bench restaurant in Ramsgate as the business tripled in size.

Catering and Hospitality lecturer at Broadstairs College, Rob Allsworth, said “I am extremely proud of our student alumni, and it is refreshing to see so many familiar facing dominating the local catering scene.” Rob also revealed that past Broadstairs College students had also worked with at least 15 of the chefs and restaurants mentioned in the article, including more than three alumni at the Michelin-Starred Fordwich Arms.

Rob was also keen to add that Thackery’s restaurant is currently owned by yet another past student of Broadstairs College.

EKC Group are exceptionally proud of all students past and present. It is great to see our alumni reaching such high standards. To find out more about catering at Broadstairs, click here.