U6^th Form BTEC Hospitality pupils ventured to London on a two-day trip to research and experience Asian Cuisine and celebrate Chinese New Year...

This contributes towards their BTEC in Hospitality coursework, especially focusing on ‘the meal experience’ and commodities, cooking techniques and food trends. The pupils immersed themselves into Asian culture, starting with a trip to Brick Lane, where they experienced the wealth and breadth of Asian restaurants, specialist sweet shops, specialist tea houses and cafés. From there they navigated the underground to China Town where the streets were alive with lanterns, colour and celebration. There was a real buzz and pupils were required to visit Asian supermarkets and watch chefs prepare different culinary delights through the windows of Chinese restaurants.

We were lucky to experience afternoon tea at The Sanctum Hotel, a members only boutique hotel situated in Soho. Here pupils were served a fusion of East meets West, through sweet and savoury delights, such as mini Wagu burgers, Mochi, and mini tarts. It was a unique and amazing culinary experience. Our hosts explained the menu in depth and how the chef had put the food together. Pupils then enjoyed a masterclass of cocktail making as part of their study on alcoholic beverages, and their mixologist described the differences between their whiskies on offer.

Other highlights were Busaba for dinner, street food in Borough Market, one of the most famous markets in London, and the Japan Centre, a large Japanese supermarket.

A tiring, but rewarding trip, and it was a delight to experience Chinatown by night during Chinese New Year celebrations!

Emily McMunn - Head of Food Studies

Watch the video filmed by the pupils.

Flickr album: BTEC Hospitality Trip to London - 24th January 2023 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin