A pair of Dundee-based students are to learn with the best on a placement in France.
Luke Kingham and Dan Docherty, who both studied at Dundee and Angus College are preparing for three months’ work in Chateau De Montreuil, a Michelin-starred hotel on the French Atlantic coast, after being scouted by Albert Roux.
Catering and hospitality staff at D&A College have built a working partnership with Mr Roux since he took over at tennis star Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel restaurant.
Luke, 23, from Arbroath, is on the intensive cookery SVQ 2/3 programme and Dan, 22, from Dundee, is studying an HNC in hospitality.
Dan said: “Albert Roux visited the college last year and gave a talk to all the catering and hospitality students.
“He actually mentioned this hotel at the time.
“I never thought that I would one day be working in the kitchen of such a prestigious hotel, however.”
The students have already been informed they will be putting their training to good use in the hotel.
Luke will be working in the kitchens while Dan will be front of house.
The placements are salaried but the students are currently trying to raise funds to cover their fares.
Both are delighted to have been offered the opportunity to live and work in France.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us, we won’t get another chance like this in a hurry,” Luke said.
It is a sentiment echoed by Dan, who said: “I think this could be life-changing and could really help with my future prospects.”
Mr Roux is a renowned chef with a passion for Scotland. He has mentored a series of chefs who went on to collect Michelin stars.
Students from both Kingsway and Arbroath Campuses were impressed when the veteran chef gave a talk last year.
His Le Gavroche restaurant was the first in the UK to win three Michelin stars and students described his talk as “inspirational”.