claresheradan

Hello Many thanks. That's all great advice. We will approach some local restaurant operators. I have already approached a friend who is senior at the Ivy who though the cooking course was a good idea then really a ten year programme of working in good restaurants taking on more responsibility in each role. He will probably start in Manchester then move to London. It would be good to hear from anyone who has been to Leith's recently. Not sure why original question diminished in type size as it went on??

I am looking for some advice for my son, who is now nineteen. He is currently at Leeds College of Building three days a week with an academic year to go, finishing in June, he would like to finish this course which will be worth 3.5 A levels. However, he also works at Pizza Express in Harrogate now full time, he has been there about 3 years first as a washer up, then a receptionist now a waiter. He absolutely loves restaurants and wants to pursue this as a career, front of house. Please could we have some advice on the best route to train? I assume college catering courses are a waste of time? I have looked into 'charm school' - he is naturally a people person, but to get to high end places he would need to be knocked into shape, they all just seem to be for poshos - how to keep your wine cellar etc. Also wondered if it would be worth doing a four week cookery training at Leith's to learn more about food, he does cook occasionally. This is expensive but wonder if it is a good grounding? Any ideas on which would be a good way to start would be really appreciated. Many thanks