A rural hotel in the Lake District has hired a former psychology student to train as a chef and pursue a career in hospitality.
Eleanor Vardon gave up on textbooks and started a ‘earn while you learn’ apprenticeship at English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy on the Wildbore Estate near Windermere.
After gaining a degree in Psychology at the University of Leeds, 21-year-old Eleanor decided to change direction and settled in Cumbria to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
She saw an advertisement for a Culinary Academy training program with the added benefit of in-house residency at Wild Boar Estate and the opportunity to relocate to the Lake District.
“I previously worked in hospitality and always really enjoyed the close-knit team environment, working with others to help guests feel at home. It’s vibrant,” explains Eleanor. “I have always been a gourmet and have always been very interested in cooking, so the idea of becoming a chef took root right away.
“Although my university degree course was immersive and interesting, I knew I wanted something more tangible, the opportunity to work with people in a hands-on, hands-on role. When I saw the job at the Academy came up, I had no hesitation. It was a great move.”
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Culinary Academy’s training program will provide Eleanor with an apprenticeship to achieve her Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications, as well as a training program at Wild Boar Estate’s restaurant, Smoke. The house offers a unique experience in the brewery’s busy open kitchen. Microbrewery.
Delivered in partnership with Kendal College, this fully accredited course allows students to develop their chef skills while earning a wage at hotel group venues across the Lake District and North Lancashire.
Originally from Leeds, Eleanor first enrolled for a university degree, completing ‘A’ Levels in Psychology and Photography, before deciding on a career path to become a chef.
Eleanor says the best part of her job is not only the people she works with, but also the chance to live in the stunning surroundings of Wild Boar Estate’s 72 acres of rural woodland. Her hobbies outside of work include hiking and photography, which fit perfectly with her new work life.
Daniel Winstanley, Group Training and Development Chef at English Lakes Hotel and British MasterChef, added: She is a true addition to the Estate’s culinary team, where her interpersonal skills and patience shine. ”
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is currently recruiting staff in various areas of the hospitality industry. For more information about current positions and to apply, please visit: https://englishlakes.co.uk/careers/
