A top team of six professional chefs helped to turn a six-course gourmet dinner at Bath College into a surprise retirement party.
All six chefs started their careers at Bath College and have gone on to excel in the hospitality and catering industry.
The event, supported by ex-student and Michelin-starred chef Andre Garrett, was held in honour of hospitality and catering lecturer Kean Maslen who has worked at the college for 31 years.
Kean, known as Maz, knew about the event and was ready to help in the kitchen when he was asked to sit down and eat instead
Andre, executive head chef at Cliveden House, gave up his time to support the dinner alongside Jon Howe, this year’s winner of AA Restaurant of the Year for England.
The team preparing the dinner included Garry Rosser, from the Scallop Shell, Stuart Ash, from Woods Restaurant, Claire Wilkins, from The Olive Tree, and Micail Swindells.
Micail, who has worked for Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck and TV MasterChef judge John Torode, now works as head chef on a private yacht.
Kean’s family and friends booked tickets for the dinner, which came as a complete surprise to Kean, who is retiring next month.
He said: “Being able to teach some truly amazing, ambitious and motivated students has blessed me with a mountain of pride and job satisfaction.
“I have been totally overwhelmed by the commitment the students, staff and professional chefs, put into making the dinner such a success.
“This has been a true showcase for the catering industry.”
Hospitality and catering students at Bath College worked alongside the six chefs to create and serve an impressive menu for 70 guests.