Cinnamon Collection launches chef training scheme

Vivek Singh, executive chef at The Cinnamon Collection, has launched a chef de partie training programme across the group’s four London restaurants.

It comes ahead of plans to expand the group across London and other major cities this year following a £10m investment from its owner Boparan Restaurant Holdings (BRH).

The year-long Cinnamon Starts scheme is aimed at novice chefs who have completed an NVQ Level 2 or college equivalent

Trainees will be supported with a £22,000 salary throughout the course, rising to £25,000 upon completion.

It will be led by group development and training chef Rakesh Ravindran Nair, who has worked with the Cinnamon Collection since the launch of Cinnamon Club in 2001.

Singh said: “I’m delighted to be launching Cinnamon Starts this year, supporting the next generation of chefs and bringing even more talent into The Cinnamon Collection as we grow.

“Rakesh’s training programme will offer young chefs a clear path of career progression and I look forward to seeing many young chefs rise through the ranks with us!”

Chefs who stay on at the group for two years will have the opportunity to enrol in a further sous chef development programme, with the potential to progress to head chef within six years.

Further expansion

The Cinnamon Collection includes The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Kitchen, Cinnamon Soho and the newly opened Cinnamon Bazaar restaurants.

The group was sold to BRH, owner of the giraffe and Harry Ramsden’s chains, last January.

BRH has invested £10m in plans to expand the across London and other major cities this year.

An open day and interviews will be held at Cinnamon Kitchen on 30 January. Those interested in taking part can register their interest by emailing Rakesh Ravindran Nair on rakesh@cinnamonclub.com or come along on the day at 11am or 1:30pm.