IT WAS a case of back to the shop floor – or rather kitchen – as the principal of a Basingstoke college dished up dinners for students and staff in the canteen.

Anthony Bravo’s efforts were not due to a shortage of staff, but were primarily to demonstrate Basingstoke College of Technology’s (BCoT) commitment to providing healthy and affordable meals.

Mr Bravo swapped his suit for chef whites for the day and helped out with the running of the kitchen as Principal Chef, to prepare and cook the healthy menu for staff and students.

Working alongside BCoT’s busy kitchen staff during the morning, he prepared a Mexican-themed menu for the lunchtime service.

Bernie Blakeman, manager of the college catering service, said: “It was great to see Anthony getting involved in the kitchen and working alongside staff.

“I was very impressed with his culinary skills.”

Sandy Lee, head chef in the college’s kitchen, mentored Mr Bravo for the day, and said: “The great thing about Anthony is that he is prepared to give anything a go.

“It is hard work in the kitchen preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner five days a week for staff and students and Anthony just mucked in to get the work done.

“He was a great student and I would have him back in the kitchen any time.”

The students were surprised to see their principal serving up their food at lunchtime and Mr Bravo described the whole experience as “brilliant”.

He said: “I didn’t realise it would be such hard work, and so hot and sweaty!

“I have a new found-respect for how hard Bernie’s team work to produce such healthy and tasty food for the college.

“The only thing I found I couldn’t do though was serve chips – they are such awful things!”