PUBLISHED 12 May 2021
Award-winning chef returns!
We're delighted to welcome back Steve Shepherd as Catering Manager at AKS, who was previously at the helm when AKS won “Best Independent School in the UK for Catering and Hospitality" in 2018.
Those who know Steve have great memories of the wide and varied way he brought food to life at AKS. Not only in our dining rooms and pavilion cafe, but across the campus at our many events. His creative flair and tasty treats have been enjoyed by students and wider community alike, including a spectacular 'Mad Hatter's afternoon tea' for our pre-schooler party and an enchanted woodland themed ball for a local charity to name but a few.
Other highlights from his previous time at AKS include the popular cookery club in senior school; a foraging workshop; setting up our kitchen garden and judging our AKS Bake Off at our PTA Summer Festival. With Steve at the helm the dining room was regularly a source of surprise and delight for students and staff. Sometimes Steve and team would be dressed up to match the theme of the day, another occasion might simply be Nat King Cole's 'What a Wonderful World' playing softly in the background...
When reflecting on his return, Steve explained, "When the opportunity arose to return to AKS it reminded me of what exceptional opportunities it offers. I believe the AKS role to be unique, I personally enjoy not only providing great food for students but working with them on community projects and improving their culinary techniques.
I have so many fantastic memories from AKS that the students, staff & the community have helped create. I think I could list about 20, but the day we all paraded through Lytham on club day with 2,500 bags of fudge for spectators was epic!
Food and hospitality service has been a huge part of my life from an early age, I’ve been lucky to work in some amazing operations. Educational catering really took it to the next level for me, watching children enjoy their food and build their interest through engaging projects provides a great reward. As catering operations develop the need to be more eco friendly and we review what is truly sustainable I take pride in how I can transfer this message to the community".
When asked what we can expect from his return, he explained, "I'm looking forward to providing the best facilities, projects and experiences as we can possibly create. They will incorporate our menu development, theme days, cookery clubs, vegetable growing, foraging, nutrition/health workshops, community events, Sixth Form work experience projects and so much more. This process will begin with gathering feedback from students, parents and staff, then creating menus to respond to this by working with the team to re-introduce some AKS favourites as well as new dishes over the next term. As ever, we will focus also on great theme days and making the dining rooms fun, innovative and exciting places to be".
Although we may be forgiven to think Steve's rarely out of the kitchen, he also manages to balance is passion for food with a love of the outdoors, be it on a mountain bike, motorbike, canoe or surfboard. With so many ideas, and such a zest for life, we are excited for all that lies ahead. It's great to have you back Steve!