In total 89 chefs graduated from the academy this year, with 27 women completing their development programmes. In the last year, BaxterStorey has placed great emphasis on creating inclusive kitchens, driven through a range of programmes and activity. 

More than 300 guests including friends, families, line managers, operations teams and BaxterStorey leadership attended the ceremony on 24th May to celebrate the graduation.

Great British Menu Champion of Champions winner and BaxterStorey chef partner Kirk Haworth, said: “Kitchen culture is so important and we have to be more human in our roles.  

“It’s important that the new generation of chefs create a new culture in restaurants, and the more seasoned chefs adapt and support those coming through the ranks. We can keep going, through the good and bad, by supporting each other. That’s the best way to make the most out of our skills. We will be better chefs for this.”

Set up 17 years ago, the Chef Academy has seen 550 chef graduate in total. The company has already seen 150 register for the programme next year. 

Ronan Harte, chief executive of BaxterStorey, added: “We’re so proud of the incredible graduates who have come through our chef academy. This was set up to help share our DNA and build confidence, it has done that and so much more. 

 “It’s great to see such strong female representation among this year’s graduate cohort. By giving these talented chefs the right skills and experience, we’re equipping them with the tools to succeed and thrive in the hospitality industry.”