Students from Alsop High School's Hospitality and Catering department recently enjoyed an unforgettable fine dining experience at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre, thanks to the generosity of the Hilton team, the support of The Savoy Educational Trust, and a host of inspirational guest speakers.

The event was designed to raise aspirations and give our Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students a unique insight into the exciting careers available within the hospitality industry. For many of our students, this was their first experience of dining in a luxury hotel, making the day even more special.

Guests were welcomed with a drinks reception before enjoying an exceptional three-course lunch. The menu showcased the very best of professional hospitality:

  • Starter: Spiced Lentil & Butternut Squash Velouté with a sprinkling of dukkah, served with freshly baked bread and whipped butter, prepared by lecturers and students from the City of Liverpool College.
  • Main Course: Pan Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with pork, shallot and sage mousseline, served with celeriac purée, glazed carrot, stem broccoli, fondant potato and thyme-infused red wine jus, prepared by Chef James Holden, a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
  • Dessert: Velvet Malteser Bar with banana crumb and butterscotch ice cream.

Adding to the authentic restaurant experience, our Year 9 Hospitality students took on the role of front-of-house staff, waiting on guests throughout the meal. They demonstrated outstanding professionalism, confidence and teamwork, gaining invaluable experience of customer service in a luxury hospitality setting.

Throughout the afternoon, students heard from inspirational speakers who shared their own career journeys. We were honoured to welcome Steven Doherty, the first British chef to lead a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, who spoke passionately about the dedication, resilience and commitment required to succeed at the highest level of the industry. Students also heard from Ciara, a Springboard Future Chef winner, whose journey demonstrated how school competitions can be the first step towards an exciting culinary career. A special pre-recorded message from Molook "Molly" Shaheer in Dubai highlighted the global opportunities that a career in hospitality can offer.

The afternoon also featured a musical performance by our talented Year 10 students, showcasing the creativity and confidence that make Alsop High School so special.

We are incredibly grateful to The Savoy Educational Trust, The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Savoy Educational Trust, The City of Liverpool College, Udale Speciality Foods, Wellocks, Essential Cuisine and The Hilton Hotel for sponsoring this inspiring event, helping to provide an experience that many of our students would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy. We would also like to thank the Hilton Liverpool City Centre for their exceptional hospitality and all of the chefs, speakers and industry professionals who generously gave their time to inspire the next generation.

At Alsop High School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to dream big. Events like this allow our young people to experience the very best of the hospitality industry while building confidence, developing employability skills and seeing first-hand the exciting career pathways available to them—from local restaurants and luxury hotels to Michelin-starred kitchens and international careers.

It was a truly memorable day, and one that our students will remember for many years to come.

Hilton