On September 20 The Chefs’ Forum is presenting a seminar for all pub kitchens – and andlord Mike is making his small screen debut!

The two-hour event focuses on how new technology is enabling pubs like the Volunteer Inn to do more with less as well as covering topics such as Natasha’s Law, healthier menus, waste reduction and future staffing issues.

Mike features in one of the specially-made films in which leading pub groups and individuals explain how harnessing new technology has improved efficiency and workflow in their kitchens through the use of connected cooking and iKitchens.

Earlier this year, a Rational iKitchen was installed at the Volunteer and Mike will be talking about how the new system has revolutionized the pub’s kitchen.

Regulars know that the cooking is shared between Jacqui and Head Chef Gemma. We had a full iKitchen installed earlier this year and although a significant investment, it was one that we knew it was important to make.

The good news is that it’s had a huge impact on food trade, which has doubled. And we can now create our menu with only one chef in the kitchen at any one time, pretty critical when recruiting into hospitality has become such a challenge!

Gemma says that the new kitchen has made a huge improvement to health and safety issues by removing the need for heavy lifting and being close to hot liquids. Even though the kitchen is relatively small, every aspect was improved with the iKitchen technology allowing Gemma and Jacqui to be more creative with the cooking.

Well done to Mike – we look forward to your next appearance (on Strictly?)!