TV presenter Fred Sirieix launches third prison restaurant run by inmates

dailyrecord.co.uk:

TV personality Fred Sirieix was seen getting hands on in a prison kitchen as he launched his charity’s third restaurant staffed by prisoners.The First Dates presenter and maitre d’hotel was speaking as his charity, The Right Course, launched its newest training restaurant, Bertie’s, in HMP Lincoln on Monday.The eatery, named after the Category B prison’s deputy governor of more than 30 years, will be operated by inmates and will be the first in the country to allow staff and customers to be joined by families to share a meal during visiting hours.It comes after The Right Course opened similar outlets in HMP Wormwood Scrubs, in west London, and HMP Isis, in south London, with plans to open five more this year.Mr Sirieix, 51, told guests that the scheme hopes to teach inmates the “ABC of restauranting”.He said: “If you are in prison, something has gone wrong at some point and we have to take responsibility and we have to give opportunities to people.“We have to teach people how to do the job like a pro.“Hard work will always beat talent.

Enthusiasm is half the battle.”He added: “We are going to do everything we can in order to equip them for life on the outside and that means these guys have to be as good as anyone in the world.”The scheme offers selected inmates the chance to achieve City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in catering and front-of-house qualifications in partnership with the training provider, PeoplePlus.Participants are trained to deliver high-street standards in real-life settings, with Mr Sirieix helping to orchestrate operations as guests were served a three-course meal at Bertie’s to celebrate the launch.Guests enjoyed smoked salmon and cream cheese on bread for starters, a lasagne and sharing platters for