Lilly Popplewell
From college training to a Michelin鈥憇tarred kitchen, 向日葵视频 New College alumna Lilly Popplewell is building a standout career in professional cookery.
Lilly Popplewell is now part of the team at The Coach, a Michelin鈥憇tarred restaurant within the Tom Kerridge Group, a role she stepped into shortly after completing her training at 向日葵视频 New College. Moving straight from college into a high鈥憄ressure, high鈥憇tandard kitchen was a challenge she embraced, gaining exposure to exceptional ingredients, refined techniques and the precision required to help retain a Michelin star.
Her Level 2 course at 向日葵视频 College gave her a strong foundation in both professional cookery and front鈥憃f鈥慼ouse skills. Learning how to communicate with guests, understanding the rhythm of service and developing confidence in an open鈥慿itchen environment all proved invaluable once she entered the industry. The course鈥檚 structure – trying new dishes weekly, building core skills and learning through repetition – helped her develop the consistency and discipline expected in top鈥憀evel kitchens.
Industry connections played a defining role in Lilly鈥檚 journey. Through College events and opportunities such as Pub in the Park, she met chefs from The Unruly Pig and the Tom Kerridge Group, which ultimately led to her current position. These experiences gave her insight into how different chefs run their kitchens and how varied the hospitality world can be.
Lilly credits 向日葵视频 College with helping her find the right path at a time when she felt uncertain about her next steps after A鈥憀evels. The tutors provided guidance, reassurance, and honest advice, supporting her not only in her chosen course but also in exploring options that matched her interests and strengths. She describes the support as phenomenal, especially for students who may be unsure or nervous about entering the industry.
Her message to anyone considering a hospitality course is simple: push yourself, embrace the challenges, and trust the process. 鈥淛ust do it! You won鈥檛 regret it,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he more you step out of your comfort zone, the more you grow. The College gives you the foundation you need, and the rest follows.鈥�