Prestigious accolade served to Havant school chef

A CHEF who transformed a school's lunches has been recognised for his achievements.
Steven Cross of Park Community SchoolSteven Cross of Park Community School
Steven Cross of Park Community School

Steven Cross, head chef at Park Community School in Havant, was named Newcomer of the Year at the EDUcatering Excellence Awards.

Steven had previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and even cooked for the Queen at Buckingham and Windsor palaces.

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Applying his expertise to the Middle Park Way school’s menu when he joined in 2015, he swapped stodgy meals for delicious and nutritional alternatives.

Steven said: ‘I’m honoured and excited to be given this award.

‘In my role as head chef, I regularly meet students so they can try the latest menus and give me feedback.

‘It has been particularly exciting introducing organic food to the menu, and establishing a kitchen garden, which is a fabulous source of ingredients.’

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The accolade was open employees in a new role who had made an impact within their company over the past two years.

Judges were impressed by Steven’s innovative menus, which had been created with the approval of a team of pupil food ambassadors.

Christopher Anders, headteacher at Park Community School, said: ‘We are extremely proud of Steven’s achievements in such a short space of time, especially as his previous job was in fine dining.

‘It is always extremely rewarding to get recognition from a national awarding body.

‘At Park Community School we aim to make a difference daily and it is very important that the food we provide is of high quality and enjoyed by all.’