ICE restaurant near Bury St Edmunds hosts cooking compeition to inspire next generation of chefs

A restaurant in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, held a cooking event led by celebrity chefs to help inspire the next generation.

ICE, based on the Rougham Industrial Estate, hosted the annual ‘Upskill Day’ event on Tuesday for Zest Quest Asia.

The event welcomed 42 students and 20 lecturers from 11 colleges across the country, with some travelling as far as the Isle of Wight, Leeds and Darlington. They were further joined by 2,000 learners virtually.

It was a chance for the students to learn new cooking skills and techniques from renowned chefs, including Michelin star chef Mark Poynton, who was one of the chefs that demonstrated.

Other top names included: Saturday Kitchen Live favourite Cyrus Todiwala, Bake Off: The Professional judge Cherish Finden and chef Akemi.

The students were taught how to make a range of Asian inspired dishes.

Chef Todiwala said: “For me, handing the torch to younger, better torch bearers has always been a passion.

“Not training adequately would leave our industry starved of talent especially as we see that Britain is finally riding the waves with its high culinary standards and multiple cuisine disciplines.

“For this to move forward and for the younger generation to succeed in life, we must give them every opportunity to learn, thrive, succeed and excel in their craft.”

Murray Chapman, organiser of the event, added: “These competitions are so important in pulling together experienced chefs and young chefs and building those relationships and a strong network of support for the next generation.

“We are pleased to be able to use the excellent facilities at ICE to host today's event and would like to thank John and Lou for offering the venue and the brilliant chefs we have here for giving their time for such a great initiative.”