English Lakes Hotels recruits trainee chef at Wild Boar Estate

English Lakes Hotels has recruited Eleanor Bardon, a former psychology student, to train as a chef at Wild Boar Estate near Windermere. 

Bardon has undertaken an apprenticeship with the hotel group’s Culinary Academy training programme, having decided on a change in direction from her psychology degree at the University of Leeds. 

The training programme with English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy has offered Bardon an apprenticeship to attain Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications, as well as experience in the open kitchen at Wild Boar Estate’s restaurant, smokehouse and Brewhouse microbrewery.

Bardon said: “I’d worked in hospitality jobs before and always really enjoyed the close knit team environment, working alongside others and helping guests feel at home – it gives me a real buzz. I’ve also always been a foodie and mad keen on cooking and so the idea of becoming a chef quickly took root.

“Whilst my university degree course was immersive and interesting, I realised I wanted something more tangible and the chance to work with people in a practical, hands-on role.  So when I saw the job come up with the Culinary Academy at Wild Boar Estate, I didn’t think twice. It’s been a great move.”

Delivered in partnership with Kendal College, the fully accredited course allows students to hone chef skills whilst earning a wage with the hotel group across its venues in the Lake District and North Lancashire.

Daniel Winstanley, ground training and development chef at English Lakes Hotels, added: “Eleanor’s progress has been fantastic since she joined this year’s cohort of trainee chefs and she clearly has a strong affinity for hospitality and team working. She’s a real asset to the estate’s culinary team and her people skills and patience shine through.”