Brasserie James
Brasserie James is a stylish British-French restaurant in Clapham, opened in 2008 by Craig James, former Head Chef of top Central London restaurant Quaglino's.
We spoke to Craig about his choice to bring in an apprentice, Kane Cooke, from South Thames College in Merton.
"When we were looking for a new member of staff, the apprenticeship scheme offered exactly what we needed. We were looking for an enthusiastic team member, keen to learn and also contribute new ideas.
Kane has fitted the bill very well. He has been working on starters and desserts, perfecting one dish then moving on to add more to his repertoire. His kitchen skills were good having spent some time learning the basics in college. But for us it is great to get a trainee involved in the hands-on work of preparing and plating dishes for demanding customers - he has gained skills and confidence much quicker than someone who has done all his formal training in a college.
In our line of work it is great for the team to have someone to pass on knowledge to. Kane has taken to the restaurant's philosophy and clearly enjoys the challenges we set him."
Inside View
Amancay Tapia, HNC in Media Production
"I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker and wanted a practical course where we had the chance to get involved in all aspects of film production. During my course I have been editing, directing, writing, producing and even acting in my own films. My dream came true in 2008 when I directed what is now my first feature film “Campo de Batalla” (Battlefield) showing in Spain. I was selected by the Spanish film academy as one of twenty young Spanish filmmakers to watch, and I’m currently writing my next feature film which is set in London and Bolivia. It's been a long time since I left South Thames but that course was truly the beginning of what is my career today as a filmmaker."
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