Young chefs take charge at one of Manchester’s most prestigious restaurants

Gareth Packam, Lee Walton and Jamie Brittain - three 22 year old graduates of the Manchester College - will take over the kitchen of the prestigious French Restaurant on Wednesday 27 January as part of an initiative to recognise the talents of young chefs in Manchester.

The scheme - Young Star Chef - is an ongoing skills initiative supported by Visit Manchester in partnership with Springboard.

On the day, The French - The Midland Hotel's two-AA Rosette restaurant - will see Gareth, Lee and Jamie take charge of the kitchen and prepare a three-course meal of their design that includes: salmon tartar with beetroot and horseradish followed by a main course of Regs Goosnargh chicken with gnocchi, mushrooms and salsify. To finish, they will serve an apple strudel with wholegrain mustard ice cream.

The young chefs' family and friends, along with members of the public, can then enjoy the fruits of their labour, for just £25 per head, including the option of a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival;

To make a reservation, please call the French Restaurant on 0161 236 3333. Dinner will be served at 8pm with the complimentary pre-dinner drink at 7.30pm.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester, said:  "Visitors to Manchester rightly expect a great dining experience and our Young Star Chef initiative ensures that local chefs take pride in their work from the very beginning of their careers.  

"It's a great chance for young chefs to showcase their skills and prove they have what it takes to lead Manchester's exciting culinary reputation into the future."

Young chefs participating in the initiative will be presented with a certificate, a Villeroy and Boche commemorative plate and chef whites.