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Durham Global Week
Group of young people at a Holi Festival

Palatine Kitchen Takeover

The Palatine Kitchen Takeover will celebrate food from across the globe. Working alongside Durham University chefs, up to five groups of students will win the opportunity to showcase their authentic international food during lunch service at the Palatine Kitchen, with profits going to a nominated charity.

From ramen to Reuban sandwiches, corn chowder to calzone pizzas, if you have meals or dishes you are proud of, apply to take part and show us by serving them in one of the University's central cafes.
Find out more about this event and apply

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a chef in a busy catering environment? This Durham Global Week Signature Event will give students the opportunity to experience just that. 

Students passionate about food are invited to apply for Palatine Kitchen Takeover. Working alongside Durham University chefs, they will be able to showcase their authentic international cuisines during a lunch service at the Palatine Kitchen.

Takeover: The details

Have we whetted your appetite? You might want to digest some of these details before applying.

How to apply (before Wednesday 1 February 2023)

  1. Form a mini-chef brigade with friends who are passionate about food (3-4 students is an ideal size).
  2. Create a menu of approximately three simple menu items with at least one vegan option. Include ingredient details. Menus must avoid using peanuts or tree nuts and should be capable of being scaled up to be produced in large quantities.
  3. Suggest a chosen charity for all profits to be donated.
  4. Apply! Completing the form should take no more than 15 minutes.

Your commitment

The application process will ask you to confirm your mini-brigade’s availability during the weekdays of Durham Global Week (6 - 10 March 2023 inclusive). There is a requirement to be available between 9am - 3pm on one day during Durham Global Week, and between 3pm – 7pm the previous day to complete the food preparation. 

  • Deadline

    Applications for Palatine Kitchen Takeover must be received by the deadline on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

  • Selection criteria

    Your proposed menu should: a) be international; b) have scope to be popular; c) have scope to generate a healthy financial margin, facilitating a donation to your chosen charity

Deadline

Applications for Palatine Kitchen Takeover must be received by the deadline on Wednesday 1 February 2023.

Selection criteria

Your proposed menu should: a) be international; b) have scope to be popular; c) have scope to generate a healthy financial margin, facilitating a donation to your chosen charity
Questions? Contact us here

Application through to Takeover

1. >> Applications must be received by the deadline on Wednesday 1 February 2023 <<

2. Applications will be reviewed by the University's Executive Head Chef and five mini-brigades will be chosen. Each will be allocated to a lunch service during Durham Global Week. Your mini-brigade's proposed menu should meet the following selection criteria:

    • Your menu should be international
    • Your menu should have scope to be popular
    • Your menu should have scope to generate a healthy financial margin, facilitating a donation to your chosen charity

3. You will then be contacted to arrange for your mini-brigade to meet with a University chef and discuss the menu, including ingredients, cooking methods and suggested pricing. Essential Health & Safety and food safety training will also be completed.

4. University chefs will place food orders and create mandatory allergen information.

5. Food preparation day. All equipment and ingredients will be provided by Durham University.

6. Lunch service – this will be hard work, a great experience and lots of fun!

Contact for more information

For specific queries, you can contact Ricky Cohen - Senior Operations Manager (Food & Beverage) or Michael Thorne - Executive Head Chef:

university.catering@durham.ac.uk