VOL 26 | ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 17, 2025
Delaware North U.K. at London Stadium, where the company serves as hospitality partner, hosted eight students from Newham College on Feb. 4 through its growing College Partnership Programme.
Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable, head chefs at London Stadium, led a workshop for the group from Newham College, which offers culinary, catering and hospitality courses 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 blend theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
“We were proud to open our doors to the future’s culinary talent from Newham College and showcase what a career in food and hospitality could look like for them,” said Gary Foakes, head of culinary development of Delaware North U.K.
During their visit to London Stadium, the students were tasked with producing a finished dish suitable for service within one of the stadium’s hospitality lounges and were provided a selection of market vegetables, fruit, potatoes and dry store goods for their dishes. Their final products were judged by Delaware North culinarians who elevated taste, flavor profiles, seasonality, cooking techniques and presentation.
Muthusamy and Constable also provided 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 talent through its College Partnership Programme, providing opportunities to gain practical experience in venue management and introducing emerging chefs to the world of major events.
“It’s already evident from the flair we saw on display 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 said.