College Catering Alumni To Cook Up A Storm At Ashdown Park

Professional Cookery & Catering student, Adam Paice, secures a job with the prestigious Ashdown Park Hotel following his Sussex Downs College course.

University was on the cards for the vast majority of students finishing their studies at Sussex Downs College this summer, but for budding chef, Adam Paice, 20, from Pevensey, the workplace beckoned.

Adam studied Professional Cookery & Catering, Levels 1 through 3, at the Eastbourne campus of Sussex Downs, finishing in the summer. He also completed a Barista course in his final year, achieving a full qualification alongside his vocational course. He was also named Catering Student of the Year in his final year at the College.

“I applied for jobs as soon as I finished College,” says Adam. “I really wanted to push myself and was looking at the big country hotels and spas for restaurant work. The four-star Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club were advertising for a part-time, entry level Commis Chef. I got the job and enquired about full time, as I was finished with my studies and wanted to get stuck in. They offered me full time and I haven’t’ looked back!”

Less than one month into the job, Adam was given his own position to run in the kitchen after impressing the Head Chef with his culinary creations and focused work ethic.

“There’s six sections that are run through the kitchen, and out of 22 chefs I am one of the chefs running a section less than a month into my post,” Adam says. “It’s absolutely incredible and the Head Chef has been so supportive. I hope to continue working up through the positions here.”