Our exciting new website for aspiring food service professionals is here!

The brains behind The Staff Canteen have united the nation’s top chefs to create a completely unique online resource for chefs and food service professionals who are either training or just starting out.

The Perfect Starter website is packed with over 120 videos, from the likes of Sat Bains, Nathan Outlaw and Hayden Groves - these top chefs have given their time to film demonstrations of basic skills such as how to make a pasta dough through to how to sharpen knives. The content is designed to give students and aspiring professionals practical advice and inspiration in the early years of their career.

Nathan Outlaw, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, said: “As part of my work with the students at Academy Nathan Outlaw at Cornwall College, I’ve come to realise how vitally important it is for young chefs to be encouraged to progress by people in the industry. This new website will provide young chefs with a great vehicle to turn to for inside tips and encouragement from the people who are already at the top of their game. I wish it had been available when I was starting out!”

The free membership-based resource, which is endorsed by PACE, also contains careers advice and tips from chefs at the top of their game across all channels from contract catering and education through to hotels and restaurants. Members can also search the latest apprenticeships and commis roles on the job board.

Mark Sargeant, Rocksalt & The Smokehouse said of the site: "The Perfect Starter is a brilliant resource for young chefs - it's packed with advice from professionals, career guidance and a video section on kitchen skills."

Paul Ainsworth, Director at Paul Ainsworth at No 6 added: “We are in an ever evolving industry that requires a certain type of person, driven by excellence, passion and the desire to work so hard. The Perfect Starter by Staff Canteen is an incredible introduction to our amazing industry.”

To make the most of this fantastic new tool and receive exclusive member offers and events information, register at www.theperfectstarter.com