For Enrichment Week, our Moreton campus welcomed a very special guest—cooking content creator Al Brady—for a two-day hospitality session with our students.
Al brings an impressive range of experience and clientele, having worked with brands such as Hellmann’s, Arla, Magimix, Kilner, Barnes & Noble, The Wasabi Company, and The Watercress Company, to name just a few. He’s also collaborated with a number of professional chefs across the UK and Al’s culinary content is enjoyed by over 500,000 followers across social media, with his vibrant recipe videos and tasty tips making cooking exciting and accessible for everyone.
During his two-day visit to EMA, students were tasked to create a spicy-themed feast featuring a huge range of dishes, including Chicken Badami, Chicken Tikka, Aubergine and Potato Curry, Kheema Matar with Bhature Bread, and more!
Claire, EMA’s Hospitality Tutor at Moreton, shared some insight:
“This was the most fabulous two days of cooking. Every single learner came to class ready to work hard, learn new skills, and try new flavours. We started the class with a spice workshop, where learners saw spices in all their different forms—from pictures of how they’re grown and where they come from, to the whole spice and the ground spice.
We then worked in teams to produce the exciting and varied menu of different types of curry and accompaniments. The cooking was fantastic, with everyone showing great independence—and for some, who aren’t used to spending much time in the kitchen, real resilience and stamina. The kitchen was left clean and tidy at the end of the sessions too!
But most importantly, the food was delicious and brought great pleasure to all who cooked and ate it! There were many happy faces and empty dishes by the end of the second day.”
Al also shared a few words on his time at EMA:
“It’s always such a pleasure to come to EMA and see everyone doing so well. Honestly, I hardly did anything—the students were so independent. I mostly stood and watched, offering a few words of encouragement.
They were fantastic on their own. Seeing how happy a couple of the guys were making the onion bhajis was a real highlight. All the different levels of students coming together to produce what they did, from scratch, was amazing. I really think there was value in them seeing such an incredible end product in all the dishes, in such a short space of time.
It’s been brilliant, and I look forward to coming back.”
Students from the session also shared their thoughts on how it went for them.
“It’s been great having Al and learning lots of new things this week. It’s always good to hear different opinions and ways of doing things. My confidence keeps growing—and I’m happy to say I didn’t struggle with any of the cooking!” – Felix
“I’ve had a really good time. Using the hob is something I’m trying to get better at. Anna was a great kitchen partner. I’m looking forward to trying the food.” – Dacey
“I’ve learnt so much this week, and it’s been really fun. Having different perspectives from visitors is so helpful, and we could ask questions if we wanted. I’ve really enjoyed it.” – Kody
We wanted to say a huge thank you to Al for stopping by, and honestly, the students went above and beyond. We were all blown away at the quality of the spread they put on. Many staff dropped in for lunch and there was nothing but compliments all round.
For more information on our hospitality courses, including those endorsed by The Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality, please download a copy of our prospectus or get in touch.
