LONDON, England (Feb. 10, 2025) – Delaware North U.K. officially announced an expansion of its College Partnership Programme last week with students from Newham College in London.
The new partnership, which focuses on nurturing the next generation of chefs as they embark on careers in hospitality, launched at London Stadium, where Delaware North serves as hospitality partner. Head Chefs Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable on Feb. 4 hosted eight students for a culinary workshop.
Newham College – which has campuses across the borough in Stratford, East Ham, Canning Town and recently merged with Newham Sixth Form College to create one large institution near London Stadium – offers culinary courses in hospitality and catering to aspiring chefs ages 16 and up.
Aligned with Delaware North U.K.’s mission to offer practical experience and culinary opportunities for young people in the local community, Newham’s courses provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to budding culinary artists and hospitality professionals.
“We were proud to open our doors to future culinary talent from Newham College, and to whet their appetites for what a career in food and hospitality could look like for them,” said Head of Culinary Development for Delaware North U.K. Gary Foakes. “Former students and current chef de parties who rose through the Delaware North ranks at Wembley Stadium as part of a similar partnership with West Herts College have gone on to be some of the brightest and most exciting talent in our portfolio, designing menus at major events such as the FA Cup Final.”
“It’s already evident from the flair we saw on display this week that there are some budding young chefs at Newham College, and we are excited to see who could be one of Delaware North’s future stars as part of this latest partnership,” Foakes continued.
Through the workshop, the students learned about behind-the-scenes culinary magic at West Ham United’s home ground. They were tasked with producing a finished dish suitable for service within one of the stadium’s hospitality lounges.
The students were provided a selection of market vegetables, fruit, potatoes and dry store goods for their menu items while considering taste and flavour profiles, seasonality, cooking techniques and final presentation.
Muthusamy and Constable also shared insights on everything from foodservice health and safety to how they bring matchdays and special events at the stadium to life through culinary and hospitality experiences.
“It was encouraging to see our students apply their talent in a professional work environment,” said Muhit Kashim, careers advisor at Newham College. “Employer and college partnerships are so important in developing the next generation of talented individuals by enabling each person to achieve their fullest potential.”
Delaware North U.K. is committed to nurturing future hospitality and culinary talent through its College Partnership Programme, which provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience in stadia and events management, ultimately bringing more young chefs into the exciting world of major events.
Caption: Culinary leaders from London Stadium on Feb. 4 hosted eight students from Newham College for a culinary workshop, marking an expansion of Delaware North U.K.’s College Partnership Programme. Pictured with the Newham college students are Gary Foakes, Delaware North U.K. head of culinary development; Bruce Deacon, executive head chef for London Stadium; Mark Constable, head chef, hospitality; and Easwaran Muthusamy, head chef, concessions.
About Delaware North
Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. The company annually serves more than a half-billion guests across three continents, including at high-profile sports venues, airports, national and state parks, restaurants, resorts, hotels, and casinos. Building on more than a century of enduring partnerships and a commitment to local communities and sustainability, Delaware North’s vision is to delight guests by creating the world’s best experiences today while reimagining tomorrow. Learn more at www.DelawareNorth.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.