A TOP chef is returning to his roots to share with students what it’s like to work with the best in the world.

Former Darlington College apprentice Sean Wrest will offer students and the public a glimpse of his life as senior sous chef at the celebrated Black Swan in Oldstead, near Thirsk.

Eighteen chefs slave over their stoves seven days a week serving 50 covers a day, featuring £110 per person 14-course tasting menus, fusions of traditional Yorkshire fare grown in the back garden, locally sourced meat and fish, all with a Nordic twist.

Mr Wrest is now bringing his culinary slant to Darlington College’s Glasshouse Restaurant on November 15 when he and students will serve up a nine course tasting menu, costing £22.95.

The 27-year-old, of Leyburn, secured his apprenticeship and his Level 2 and 3 qualifications at Darlington College training at the well-respected Sandpiper Inn in his home town.

Three years at the Sandpiper Inn under the watchful eye of chef patron Jonathan Harrison proved to be the perfect training for Mr Wrest’s next post, an internship at the renowned Fat Duck in Bray, the three Michelin star restaurant owned by Heston Blumenthal.

Mr Wrest said: “It is unbelievable working at The Black Swan. When you hear that a customer has come all the way from Canada and waited eight months for a table, that is humbling and exciting.

“I didn’t want to just produce a carbon copy of a Black Swan menu and really enjoyed putting this together for the college.

“Now I can share this with the students and diners at Darlington College. I think it is so important to give something back, to share my experience and offer some advice. The college is a really good place to learn your craft."