Malmaison and Hotel du Vin open Chef Academy to external applicants for the first time

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin have announced the expansion of their successful Chef Academy, opening the programme to external applicants for the first time as part of an ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality talent.

The academy, which has already successfully helped launch the careers of many aspiring chefs across the group’s portfolio, will welcome a further 20 apprentices this year, including up to five external placements alongside  the cohort of existing employees.

Aligned with the UK Government’s Youth  Jobs Grant Scheme, the Chef Academy supports young people aged 16 to 24 who have been unemployed and on Universal Credit for at least six months by providing them with practical training, professional qualifications, and clear career pathways within the hospitality industry.

The expansion comes at a time when hospitality businesses continue to face industry-wide skills shortages, with the academy designed to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence and firsthand experience needed to build long-term careers in professional kitchens.

Chad Smith, Head of Recruitment and Onboarding at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, said:

“We have created a bespoke apprenticeship programme that aligns directly with the Government’s Youth Jobs Grant Scheme and provides aspiring chefs with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build rewarding careers in hospitality.

“This year marks an exciting milestone for the academy as we open it up to external applicants for the first time. Alongside colleagues already working within our hotels, we are welcoming up to five new participants from outside the business who are looking to develop their culinary skills and begin a career in hospitality.”

The external placements will be based at:

• Malmaison Brighton
• Hotel du Vin Harrogate
• Hotel du Vin Newcastle and Malmaison Newcastle
• Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon

At the heart of the Chef Academy are three key pillars that give apprentices a well-rounded foundation in professional cookery, combining accredited learning, industry insight, and first-hand experience.

Accredited Apprenticeships

Participants are enrolled on recognised L2 and L3 apprenticeship programmes, combining practical kitchen experience with formal qualifications and structured career development.

Supplier Experiences

Apprentices gain a deeper understanding of ingredients and food production through visits to suppliers, farms, and producers, helping to build valuable industry knowledge and relationships.

Expert-Led Workshops

Exclusive workshops led by Malmaison and Hotel du Vin’s Chef Directors provide direct training, mentorship, and insight from some of the group’s most experienced culinary professionals.

The success of the academy can already be seen through graduates such as Zoltan Nacsa, now a Sous Chef at Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon.

Zoltan said: “I joined the Chef Academy three years ago while working as a breakfast chef at Hotel du Vin Henley-on-Thames before moving to Stratford-upon-Avon. The academy gave me the opportunity to broaden my experience and develop the skills needed to progress into a Sous Chef role.

“It’s a fantastic programme and one I would recommend to anyone with a passion for cooking and hospitality. It requires commitment, but the experience, exposure and opportunities it provides are invaluable and have genuinely helped take my career to the next level.”

Another graduate, Lotty Lampitt, now Chef de Partie at Hotel du Vin Birmingham, credits the academy with accelerating her career progression.

She said: “I joined Hotel du Vin straight from college as a Commis Chef after studying bakery and patisserie. Since completing the academy, I have progressed to Chef de Partie.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to visit different hotels and learn more about ingredients and suppliers, from cheese producers and vegetable growers to rhubarb farms. The academy has opened so many doors and given me experiences I never expected when I first joined the industry.”

Together, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin operate 37 hotels across the UK and employ over 2,300 people. The group is committed to developing future hospitality talent through apprenticeships, leadership programmes and specialist initiatives including its Chef Academy, which provides aspiring chefs with the skills, qualifications and experience needed to build successful long-term careers in the industry.