Thomas Hardye students at Cafe 11

The A-level food technology students created an selection of two-course lunches for customers to sample at the company’s fashion store.

The students prepared for the event by designing individual menus.

Four of the best with a variety of vegetarian and meat options were chosen.

These were prepared, cooked and served in pairs.

Student Bethany Criswick said: “We looked in magazines and online to gather ideas for the menus.”

Fellow student Bessie Brumble added: “We felt a bit of pressure because we had to work in a really small kitchen and keep everything tidy.

“It was a good experience and I would like to work in the food industry in the future.”

Bethany and Bessie’s customers included Goulds managing director Teresa Woolley and one of their teachers, Richard Cain.

Café 11 manager Peggy Walder, who supervised the students, said: “We have been very impressed with the creativity and enthusiasm of this group of students.

“The experience gave the students a chance to work in a real kitchen, in a controlled environment with limited equipment.

“This is the second year we have run the event and we are likely to run it again.

“The menus were brilliant.”

The dishes met the approval of customers.

Murielle Maddock, a regular in the café, said: “The people are charming and the food was marvellous.”

Goulds director Rebecca Murphy said it was a pleasure to have the students.

“Goulds were very pleased to work with Thomas Hardye School on this project.

“It was great to see the energy and professionalism that these students have and we were pleased to provide them with an opportunity to show case their skills.”

Thomas Hardye School community and guidance tutor Richard Cain said: “This partnership between the school and Goulds is an excellent example of employer engagement providing our sixth form food technology students with a realistic experience and enabling them to put their skills to the test within the workplace.”