Blythswood Square Chef leads training initiative in Scotland

• 07 Jun 2012

It is now around two years since Blythswood Square opened its doors.  In that time, the iconic building has become established as one of ‘the’ places to enjoy a menu that features both classic and contemporary dishes alongside an award winning cocktail menu.  Blythswood Square is the first AA Five Star hotel in Glasgow’s history.

Executive Head Chef Derek Donaldson joined the team in September 2011 describing his appointment as his career highlight.  He is also passionate about education and ensuring that today’s young chefs have the best possible opportunities to learn and develop their skills.  As one of the ‘Great 8’ chefs and now Scottish Co-ordinator of Visionary Dining, he’s championing the introduction of Pro Chef Training at Cumbernauld College offering young professional chefs the chance to learn from some of the best chefs in the UK.  

On June 11, Michelin Star Chef Martin Wishart will be the Chef Mentor when 12 young chefs will take part in an X Factor-type training day.

The initiative has been created by Visionary Dining and sessions include the opportunity for the young chefs to compete against each other on a regional basis, the overall winner will win dinner anywhere in the world.

Derek said: ‘There is plenty college training for apprentice chef’s and cookery schools for amateur’s . What we offer is a platform for Scotland’s already talented professional chef’s to really move their knowledge and skills to the next level by giving them access to being taught by some of the UK and ultimately the world’s best chef’s. This is a unique product that I have personally experienced as a student and can guarantee will inspire, excite and re-energise chefs form all over the country.

Gordon Cartwright, Managing Director of Visionary Dining, said: ‘We have been working with Derek for some time now.   He is clearly one the top Hotel Chefs in Scotland. His insights, experience and network allow us develop training and events that dovetail perfectly with the culinary landscape in Scotland.

‘Derek also appreciates that beyond the traditional chef training models within education and established associations there is scope for the best Chefs in Scotland to inspire the next generation of industry heroes. For this reason Derek has invited Martin Wishart to slot into our Scottish strategy of sharing cutting edge knowledge and skill.’

Within Derek’s team at Blythswood Square, Head Chef Martin Thliverous won the March event which took place in Manchester and will team up with Great British Menu chef Aiden Byrne.

For further information on Visionary Dining Chef of the Year 2012 visit www.visionarydining.com