Kitchin kids join top chef to cook up opportunities

Commercial Street in Leith is an example of a place where two different worlds live cheek by jowl.

On one side there is a Michelin-star restaurant with a high-end menu.

On the other side sits the Citadel, a youth centre which is struggling for funds amid rising demand for its services in an area where levels of child poverty are high.

But these close neighbours are embarking on a project to bring both sides of the street together.

The restaurant's chef - Tom Kitchin - is training young people from the Citadel to put on an exclusive fundraising lunch for the centre and other children's causes.

Chef Tom says it is a way of bringing the two environments together.

"What I love about this initiative is that we're actually getting the kids involved.

"They have to apply for a job, they have to come for an interview, they have to turn up for a trial on time and then it's a whole journey of learning front of house, back of house, leading towards the big gala dinner where hopefully we will present something to lots of people which is truly unique."

The event takes place on Sunday 7 December and the young people have been training for their individual roles on the day.

Some of the trainees will be in the kitchen, learning about fine-dining and how to deal with foods they have not encountered before, like scallops and hedgehog mushrooms.

The front of house team are setting tables with meticulous detail and practising carrying three plates at a time.

Trainee Kayla Travers, 20, is one of the waiting staff for the dinner.

"This is very helpful for me to see the bits and bobs that would maybe be in a proper job. It's amazing giving young people an opportunity to do something as creative as this, learning every little detail like putting spoons and forks down.

"I want to gain more confidence in myself so this is going to be the most perfect thing - to be speaking to people - I think it will really help me."

The trainees are all regulars at the Citadel Youth Centre, which has been running for more than 40 years offering services and space to the young people of Leith.

Trainee Rudi Henderson, 19, is happy to be helping with the gala dinner to raise money for the place which has given him opportunities.

"The Citadel is a way to bridge generations as well as get young people off the streets. It helps provide a safe space, food, and you get to socialise in person which not a lot of people do nowadays. For other people it could be a second home."

But like other centres, the Citadel is facing financial pressure with decreasing budgets and increasing demand for its services.

Manager Willy Barr says money is tighter than ever and fund-raising with the restaurant is very welcome.

"To have a neighbour and a partner who collaborates with us and understands the need for us to raise funds to keep the organisation open and running is just tremendous.

"We have all kinds of young people from all kinds of backgrounds and when they come in here they're welcome, they're listened and encouraged and they're supported if they've got challenges going on in their lives."

The Citadel and the kitchen have worked together on charity dinners before but this is the first time it will be in the restaurant. So there is just a short time left for the trainees to hone their kitchen skills.

Chef Tom is clear about what he hopes to achieve.

"I think what I'm really hoping for is awareness for this collaboration. There's people in your community who are really struggling who need a bit of help and places like the Citadel are a warm big hug to many people.

"But I'm also hoping that the young people are going to find his motivational and inspirational."