Roisin cooking up a storm at Buckingham Palace

Roisin cooking up a storm at Buckingham Palace

18 November 2015

A DOWNPATRICK woman has been given the royal seal of approval at her new place of work.

Former South Eastern Regional College student Roisin McKeown is working as a Chef de Partie at Buckingham Palace and says she has landed her “dream job” following a ‘grilling’ selection process.

Earlier in the year, Roisin earned her right as a rising star of the industry, wowing the judges with her culinary expertise to finish second place in the Craft Guild of Chefs 50th anniversary Canapé competition which took place in the Palace kitchens.

There, the Downpatrick girl had to prepare canapés for tasting by the Countess of Wessex, who then selected a winner.

A former care assistant, Roisin (32) returned to the College’s Downpatrick campus to retrain and has just completed her level three Professional Cookery Diploma and is delighted to be now working at the Palace.

Roisin, who was a part-time mature learner explains, said she is over the moon having recently landed her dream job.

“Retraining was the best decision I ever made. After speaking with my tutor, Michael Gillies, he suggested sending off my CV and portfolio to Buckingham Palace and I was invited for a trial which must have gone really well as I was offered a job as a Chef de Partie,” said the delighted Downpatrick woman.

“I was elated when I was offered the role. I feel privileged and am excited about this once in a lifetime experience. I am hoping to gain valuable experience working in a flagship kitchen, working under the tutelage of some of the most talented chefs in the industry and the production of a very varied menu.”

Roisin said she is also grateful to College staff for the high quality training which she revealed “has opened up this great opportunity and enhanced my practical abilities and my own confidence.”

She added: “I’ve learnt a lot whilst I’ve been at the College and I’d like to thank all the tutors for pushing me in the right direction, particularly Michael for helping me in securing the job.” 

Her delighted tutor said he was “extremely happy for Roisin,” explaining she has worked really hard and deserves “this excellent start to her career in hospitality.”

Michael continued: “The experience Roisin will gain will stay with her for the rest of her professional career. She is a great example of how students can embrace what professional cookery has to offer and directly benefit from it.” 

Michael was a real inspiration and set a great example to his class earlier this year when he was Highly Commended in the Lecturer of the Year category at the prestigious Janus awards.