Tuesday 15 April 2025
Students from Moulton College and across the region deliver a memorable fine dining experience at The Four Pears Pub, raising funds for industry charity Hospitality Action.
The Four Pears Pub in Little Houghton was the setting for an unforgettable evening on Tuesday 8th April, as students from Moulton College joined by peers from Bedford, Northampton, and Loughborough Colleges for a sold-out fine dining experience that celebrated emerging talent in the hospitality industry—and raised over £1,000 for Hospitality Action, a charity that supports individuals working in the sector through financial aid, mental health services, and professional advice.
Organised in partnership with Moulton College, the event featured a multi-course tasting menu created and served by students under the guidance of four expert mentors—each assigned to a course. The initiative provided students, including Moulton College’s full-time bakery learners and both current and former apprentices, with invaluable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment.
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Dan Merriman, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, who worked alongside the students and mentors to deliver an exciting and innovative menu.
The lineup of mentors included James Peck, Dan Britten, Shaune Hall MCGB, David Smith, and Suzie Barber. Each brought their own expertise to the kitchen, mentoring students through the preparation, cooking, and plating of their assigned course.
Speaking ahead of the event, James Peck, owner of The Four Pears and newly invited member of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, said:
It never ceases to amaze me how incredible our young, emerging talent is. With their expertise and flair, these chefs will work alongside the students to craft a memorable culinary experience that reflects the passion and talent of the next generation. Not only does this one-of-a-kind night really champion gastronomy's future but it also contributes to a great cause.
The event raised an impressive £1,090 for Hospitality Action, with £10 from each ticket donated directly to the charity. The funds will help provide much-needed support to those working in hospitality who are facing difficult times.
The evening was formally opened by Rachel Mallows, Director of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, and BBC presenter Anna Murby.
This is a really lovely event for all of us to get behind, support and promote.
As a county we need to be encouraging our young chefs to flourish here and this is a brilliant initiative from James and his team to inspire them.
Front-of-house roles were also taken on by college students, who welcomed guests with drinks sponsored by Tilley’s Wine of Wollaston, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for diners.
Celebrating young people, the future of our industry and showcasing highly trained skills is what we care so deeply about at Ember and The Four Pears.
When this collaboration came about, our team jumped at the chance to enhance learning experiences in a live restaurant setting. By supporting colleges with this opportunity, it really helps young chefs to gain invaluable insight into their industry and we can’t wait to see them all in action next month.
The event was a powerful demonstration of the impact that collaboration between industry and education can have—offering students real-world experience, supporting a meaningful cause, and showcasing the future of culinary excellence.
