The Academy of Food and Wine Service is running a regular series of updates catching up with the stars of BBC2’s Michel Roux’s Service as they make their way within the hospitality industry. We caught up with Jarel Mitchell, 24, who despite leaving the show in episode two remains interested in a career in hospitality.
“I was genuinely shocked when I was asked to leave Michel Roux’s Service, I’d been over the moon when I was accepted on the show – I love being in an environment with people enjoying food and wine and get a real buzz from it.
In hindsight I realise I should have kept quiet after my dressing down by Michel. However I was upset and needed to get things off my chest, which I did with some of the other contestants. Of course it looked like I’d just ignored everything I’d been told and was given my marching orders.
After the show I spent time in New York, initially with a photographer friend of mine Arron Dunworth. Since returning to the UK I’ve become involved, mainly on the events side, with two new campaigns promoting tolerance. They’re Say My Name and the Williams sisters’ We Girls Rock.
In the coming months I’m undertaking a Wine & Spirit Education Trust course, organised by the Academy of Food and Wine Service (in connection with the show). It’s an internationally recognised certificate and once I’ve done this I’d love to look at opportunities to work within hospitality, perhaps back in New York.”
