COOK! Hosts Students from The City of Liverpool College

In October 2025, Level 3 Advanced Professional Chef students from The City of Liverpool College had the pleasure of spending a day at the COOK! with Vegetarian Society in their Manchester cookery school.

Already highly skilled and ambitious, the students were eager to deepen their knowledge of plant-based cooking and explore new techniques and flavours that could enhance their culinary repertoire.

The day, expertly led by Maz from COOK! with the Vegetarian Society, was tailored specifically to meet students’ needs. Prior liaison with the team ensured that the training focused on areas that the students were keen to develop, from mastering innovative vegetarian proteins to refining flavour, texture, and presentation. The practical, hands-on approach enabled students to experiment confidently with ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, and pulses, and to create exciting dishes they had not attempted before.

Said Philip Rowlands, Assistant Head of School at The City of Liverpool College: “The energy and engagement throughout the day were exceptional. Students were challenged, inspired, and encouraged to think creatively about plant-based cooking while learning professional techniques that can be applied in both high-volume and fine-dining settings. The trainers’ passion and expertise were evident in every session, and their approachable style ensured that every student felt supported, even when tackling more complex recipes.

“The immediate impact of the visit was clear: students returned with newfound confidence, new skills, and an expanded understanding of vegetarian and vegan cuisine that will influence their practice both during their studies and in their future professional kitchens. The day also reinforced teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure — all essential skills for advanced chefs.

“Our students’ visit to the Vegetarian Society Cookery School was an inspiring and highly valuable experience, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to champion plant-based cooking in their culinary careers.”

As the foremost authority in vegetarian and plant-based cooking, COOK! has a global appeal, with chefs from all over the world coming to the Manchester cookery school to hone their craft. The charity’s training chefs also teach in a wide variety of kitchens from schools and hospitals to private and commercial venues.