To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Young Chef Turned Down For Being 'Safety Risk' Offered Apprenticeship In Michelin Starred Restaurant

Young Chef Turned Down For Being 'Safety Risk' Offered Apprenticeship In Michelin Starred Restaurant

The 18-year old, who has dwarfism, hit headlines after he was told he couldn't have a place on a college cookery course

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

An aspiring chef who was turned down for a college cookery course due to being branded a 'safety risk' has been offered a job at a Michelin starred restaurant in London.

Eighteen-year-old Louis Makepeace, who has dwarfism, had his dreams of becoming a chef left in tatters after Heart of Worcestershire College turned him down for a place on the course.

SWNS

The teen claims the college told him he was a 'safety risk' and that he would be a 'disruption' if he got 'under the feet' of the other pupils.

After Louis shared his story he hit headlines across the world and even caught the attention of chef and full-time sweary man Gordon Ramsay who took to social media to say it was 'disgusting', adding: "I'd offer him an apprenticeship any day."

Now David Moore, who owns Pied à Terre in London's West End - one of the capital's longest standing Michelin star restaurants - has offered the youngest a chance to work in his kitchen.

Moore said: "He is a brilliant character and we'd love to have him on board.

"I invited him down today for a taster menu to see what we're all about and he has a great palate.

"He has huge enthusiasm and passion and I think he would do really well here. The door is open for him to come and do whatever he likes.

"Whether that be work experience, an apprenticeship or hopefully at some point a full-time job - we just wanted to give him an opportunity to do what he loves.

"It has sounds like he has been really unfairly treated. I was shocked to hear what he had been through and felt it was massively harsh.

"We have a young team and I'm sure he would fit right in.

"We believe that everyone should have access to training and opportunities and we always promote diversity, equality and inclusion in our restaurant."

Louis has said he's delighted with the opportunity, which is understandable, adding that he's been overwhelmed by the response from people since his story hit headlines.

SWNS

He said: "I can't believe the response I have received. Gordon Ramsay's agent has been in touch with me saying, 'You and Gordon need to talk.'

"And now this amazing restaurant is interested in me.

"The head chef here got in contact to say he had also faced discrimination in his life and he was really touched by the story.

"I can come and train here and do an apprenticeship if I like. I'm really moved by their generosity.

"All of a sudden the window of opportunity has opened for me when just a few days ago it looked as though it had firmly slammed shut."

The college has since said that Louis would be welcomed on to the course.

A spokesperson said: "Heart of Worcestershire College prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse organisation that endeavours to offer opportunities to all.

"The college has previously worked closely with Louis Makepeace during his time on our Performing Arts course in 2016/17 where he successfully completed his first year.

"Following Louis' recent application to our Hospitality and Catering course which begins in September 2018, the college has undertaken a review process, as it does with all of its students, to ensure all the appropriate adjustments to the kitchens that Louis needs to allow him to safely and successfully commence his course, and to ensure his needs are met throughout his time at college are in place in time for the start of his studies.

"Due to the timing of Louis' application, this process is still ongoing and after further discussions have taken place both at the college and with Louis himself, we hope to have a final outcome by the end of this week.

"We would like to state that at no point has Louis been told he could not attend his course but both Louis and Mrs Makepeace have been informed that the adjustments Louis requires will need to be agreed before an unconditional offer can be given.

"The college has previously seen students with conditions similar to Louis succeed both academically and in industry and we have no doubt that Louis will too succeed in his chosen field."


Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: UK News, Awesome