John Ellis Secures Job at Top UK Restaurant

John Ellis, a former student at Riverside College who completed the Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery course in July 2014, has secured employment as a Commis Chef at Northcote Manor.

The esteemed restaurant, based in in Langho, Blackburn, was awarded a one star rating in the 2010 Michelin Guide. John will have the opportunity to work with Chef Patron Nigel Haworth and Head Chef Lisa Allen, both who have appeared on the popular BBC show ‘The Great British Menu’.

Runcorn resident, John took part in several competitions during his time at college including The British Culinary Federation Student Cook and Serve competition at Stratford-upon-Avon College. He was also awarded a “Competence to Excellence” award for displaying outstanding dedication, enthusiasm and skill.

John said, “I am very pleased to have secured the position as Commis Chef. The qualifications I gained at Riverside have given me a broad understanding of the industry and its many pathways. My tutors played a key role setting high standards for my work, spurring me on by giving me constructive criticism, praise and encouragement.”

A former student of St Chad’s High School, John has a plethora of options for the future, and is excited to see where his career will lead him.

His tutor at Riverside College, Paul Reed, said “John was a student extraordinaire; he had a self-imposed ‘want’ to do the very best in whatever the course demanded. After he won a gold medal for his chocolate work at the prestigious Salon Culinaire Competition, John’s comment was “well good that”. This sums John’s drive to always be the best and refuse praise in one phrase.

“John still keeps it touch; it’s great to hear how he is progressing. He has thanked us for making the restaurant experience as real as it possibly can be at the College, which has prepared him for his current role. We are all very proud of him.”