UK restaurateur, food writer and fishmonger Mitch Tonks is joining forces with South Devon College to open a new seafood academy at the college next month.
As part of the academy, one of the college’s training kitchens will be designated “The Mitch Tonks Seafood Academy,” where Brixham-based Tonks and the team from his Seahorse restaurant will run master-classes for existing college students as well as for chefs already working in the sector locally.
Tonks will work with the college’s chef lecturer teaching team to enhance the curriculum for full-time students and apprentices, providing a special focus on world-class fish dishes. He will also host a specialty fish supper at the college’s fine dining restaurant, Horizons.
“South Devon College is all about developing the potential of young people; working with them to open the ‘Mitch Tonks Seafood Academy’ is going to be a serious part of that,” said Tonks. “Working with the tutors at the college is a treat. The college has state-of-the-art facilities and a team who are dedicated and committed to getting the best out of everyone around them - it’s an honor and a pleasure to be involved. I really want to help inspire young people to see this route as a great one for their future.”
College Principal, Stephen Criddle, said: “Mitch is brimming with ideas about how to inspire the next generation and we really welcome his support. There are many exciting jobs available in hospitality and tourism, both locally and further afield; we believe Mitch will encourage more young people to consider a career as a professional chef.”
The Mitch Tonks Seafood Academy will be officially launched by Tonks at the college on 10 October.
