RACA apprentice scores job at three Michelin-star restaurant

Drew Morris, a Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) apprentice nearing the end of his time with UCB, has just landed a job at iconic three Michelin-star restaurant The Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.

Founded by chefs Michel and Albert Roux following the success of their Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche, The Waterside is the first restaurant outside of France to retain all three stars for 25 years. Drew was tipped off about the position by his lecturer, John Penn, who supported his application with a glowing reference handed directly to The Waterside’s current owner, Alain Roux.

“It’s an absolutely phenomenal achievement,” said Apprenticeship Coordinator for the College of Food, Stuart Wildsmith. “It just goes to show how far students can go on this course. All of us – those that teach on the RACA apprenticeship – are delighted.”

Drew carried out his RACA apprenticeship – a top programme for aspiring chefs, combining a cutting-edge curriculum with on-the-job training from some of the UK’s best chefs – at local Michelin-star restaurant Purnell’s. On successful completion of his final exams, Drew will be awarded a RACA diploma, a highly regarded qualification coveted by the country’s very best restaurant kitchens.

“Getting a job at The Waterside is super exciting,” said Drew, who was also awarded a silver medal at the prestigious Wing Yip Oriental Cookery Young Chef of the Year contest in April.

“I first went down to the restaurant for a trial shift, where I met the whole team. I loved every single minute of it. Now, I’m moving to Bray in August right after I finish at Purnell’s.

“I’m excited, but I’m also a little nervous to be working at a three Michelin-star establishment!”

UCB is the first institution in the Midlands to offer the RACA apprenticeship, which involves students coming to the University for one day a week for a day of formal training, practical work, culinary theory and assessments.

For more information, visit UCB’s RACA apprenticeship page or fill out an application form.