Three students at Coleg Sir Gâr have shared their experience of being invited to help the hospitality team at the Brits Awards at the O2 Arena.
Working with London-based company Payne and Gunter, who have an established reputation for catering for the Brits Awards, students Daniel Morgan, Elizabeth Forkuoh and Matthew Voss were in experienced hands. “It was great experience to see how catering for such a big venue is organised,” said Daniel Morgan, who is studying hospitality. “When I watched the awards on TV the next evening, I was very proud to have been part of it.”
The students, who listened to the band Coldplay rehearse live as they worked, learned many aspects of the events organisation including how the celebrity menu is designed to be British, seasonal and elegant with a touch of fun, using British ingredients.
Elizabeth Forkuoh, who is studying a diploma in hospitality, supervision and leadership was impressed by the scale of the event. “It’s a huge team, comprising of 60 chefs, 600 waiting staff and 40 management staff with the need for three temporary kitchens being constructed due to the scale of the venue.”
Matthew Voss, who is studying professional cookery and food and beverage service, added: “Setting up tables for celebrity guests and learning how many involved catering and hospitality staff are involved at such a high profile event was excellent experience.”
Pic: Coleg Sir Gâr catering and hospitality students Daniel Morgan, Elizabeth Forkuoh and Mathew Voss at the O2 arena, helping to set up for the Brits Awards