A close friend of Kerry Irons, Senior Girls Food Prepartion and Nutrition teacher, chef Richard learnt his trade at a two rosette restaurant in Lincolnshire before travelling and working in kitchens around the world learning about different cuisines. Back in the UK, Richard became sous chef when Harvey Nicholls opened in Leeds before opening his own restaurant in Devon. He is now partner chef at the award-winning Bear and Blacksmith which prides itself in being ‘ultra-local’, they have their own market garden, farm, fishing boat and butchery so everything really is from the immediate vicinity.

Drawing on his past experience, Chef Richard demonstrated to pupils how to prepare sushi, teaching them how to season the rice and create a number of dishes, including maki, nigiri, ternaki and California rolls. A fruitful experience for pupils and staff alike, Mrs Irons commented: “A very successful and enjoyable session was had by all with plenty of new skills learned - a great use of time during lockdown”.