A YOUNG Mercury Theatre chef has shared his culinary wisdom with GCSE students.

After being invited to the Gilberd School, Sam Lee guided Year 10 students through the making of a sticky toffee pudding and offered the best cooks tickets to visit the Mercury Theatre’s kitchen.

Sam said: “It’s nice to see the passion of some of the kids who want to go into the industry. One student made her own sorbet just for the session, which showed she’s really passionate about cooking.”

Sam, 22, has quickly risen from working in Tesco while studying at the Colchester Institute.

He worked in the five-star GreyFriars Hotel kitchen during his second year at college, and then secured his position in the Mercury Theatre restaurant.

Sam said: “My Nan got me into cooking, doing little bits here and there with her.

"She passed me her Christmas pudding recipe which she got from her Mum.”Gazette: Classroom- The Year 10 students were keen to practice their skills. Classroom- The Year 10 students were keen to practice their skills. (Image: Sam Lee, Chef)

Under Sam’s instruction the Gilberd students were able to get stuck in cooking and then taste their results afterwards.

There were three different classes at the school, with six winning students awarded a trip to the Mercury.

School food tech teacher Marie Hollands said: “Sam demonstrated, then supported all students in making a delicious sticky toffee pudding with whiskey sauce and Chantilly cream.”

The winners were chosen by three judges, including Sam, after “tasting and much deliberation,” with the students presented with prizes during their visit to the Mercury Theatre restaurant a few weeks later.

Gazette: Winners- The best cooks were gifted tickets to the Mercury Theatre restaurant. Winners- The best cooks were gifted tickets to the Mercury Theatre restaurant. (Image: Sam Lee, Chef)

Marie said: “During our trip to the Mercury Theatre restaurant, we were given a tour of a professional, working kitchen, followed by talks from chef Sam, the theatre manager and an apprentice chef.

“The trip ended with a delicious brunch, thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

The classes were designed to support the students as they approach their GCSEs, so the food tech students would have the knowledge they need to succeed in their exams.