Behind The Scenes At Mr Cooper's

PROMOTION

BACK in June we ran a competition to win a day working in the kitchen at Mr Cooper's House & Garden, Simon Rogan's restaurant at The Midland Hotel.

He got hands-on weighing the meat, shaping each meatball, and putting together the dish

We got a massive response but only one person could win. Congratulations Tom Bett – an estate agent who uses his hobby of cooking to relax after work.

Tom arrived at Mr Cooper's for the start of the prepping for the evening menu. Head chef Gareth Jones introduced him to the team before giving him a quick tour of the restaurant and kitchen. With the clock ticking before service started at 5pm, it was soon time for Tom to change into his chef whites and get down to business.

Tom's first task was to prepare a starter: Nick's Meatballs with hyssop, baked apricots and tzatziki. He got hands-on weighing the meat, shaping each meatball, and putting together the dish. Then Gareth showed him how to taste it to make sure it hit the mark.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur as the orders started rushing in. The small kitchen team demonstrated how to work calmly and methodically even as the pressure rose.

Said Tom, “The chefs at Mr Cooper's were professional throughout but they still made me feel part of the team. I really enjoyed the experience of working there for a night.”

Learn more about Mr Cooper's House & Garden.