Hello, my name is Benjamin Hobson,

 

I started at college 3 years ago in 2016 as a catering student on Level 1. I had no knowledge to start off with, but I have worked so hard to learn all about the kitchen, how to cook all food and learning about what flavours go with what dishes and that the sauces are very important along with plating up!  It is very wonderful when you know how too!!!

 

I went to St Mary's School and College and then moved onto Sussex Coast College, Hastings.  I was in SLDD (supported education for 6 months).  I soon realised I wanted to enroll on the Catering and Hospitality Course.  During my first year, I learned basic culinary skills.  My second year, level 2, I learned all about kitchen food hygiene.  During this time I completed 6 weeks work experience at the Sussex Exchange in Hastings, this is where I fell in love with fine dinning. I was also lucky enough to experience cooking in France, for 2 weeks at a training hotel that has a partnership with my college. 

 

We had to plan and source the produce and cooked for the builders who were building at the same facility.  I was home for 2 weeks and then I was off to Seville in Spain for one month, I learnt to cook at a fantastic Spanish Restaurant called Perro Viejo. It was totally the best thing I have done in my life. Because the lifestyle there is very cosmopolitan, and very family orientated it really inspired me. I worked extra shifts as often as I could, and was even offered a job at the end of the month.

 

The Chefs that really inspire me are Escoffier, Gordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo, and I must mention Hammi the Head Chef of Perro Viejo.