News

Local chef, and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Hospitality Tutor, Lee Pearce has just returned from four weeks of professional development working at the famous ‘The Fat Duck’ restaurant in the UK.

Restaurant owner and TV personality Heston Blumenthal first opened The Fat Duck back in 1995. Since then the restaurant has picked up three Michelin star awards in 1998, 2001 and 2004 and was voted best restaurant in the UK for three successive years(2008– 2010). The restaurant is so popular they don’t take more than six people per booking and it can take up to three months in advance to get a booking!

One of Lee’s key objectives was to build stronger relationships with Heston Blumenthal and Executive Head Chef Johnny Lake. “Heston and Johnny are in a league of their own, chef innovators and run a really professional business,” says Lee.

Exciting times lie ahead for Polytechnic hospitality students - the top student from the level 4 programme will be awarded the opportunity to travel to the UK and work at The Fat Duck.

 “This work placement is a fantastic opportunity for one lucky student; it has the possibility of opening doors around the world as well as being the launch pad for a successful culinary career,” says Lee. “To have your CV say you’ve got work experience at one of the world’s top restaurants, well it’s priceless!”

Lee has been teaching aspiring chefs at the Polytechnic for 13 years and has worked at top restaurants around the world. He’s worked and studied extensively overseas including a year in Australia, nine years in England, as well as working in Italy and Taiwan.